Grocery stores, others remain busy as ever
AT THE READY — Mitch Heimer of Wagner Foods, above, says business has been brisk lately, as does Dean Morgan of Morgan’s Meat Market. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)
By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher
Many businesses in Minnesota — and nationwide — have been forced to alter operations or close completely in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
For some, though, it’s gotten busier; much busier.
Mitch Heimer, owner of Wagner Foods in New Richland, said it would be a safe bet to say his store has set a weekly record for sales.
“It has been busy,” said Heimer. “That’s maybe putting it a little lightly.”
Ross Sletten, owner of Lerberg Foods in Ellendale, tried to talk on the telephone Saturday, but was too busy with customers.
Heimer, talking while he worked, said he’s especially grateful for his employees.
“We’re not requiring anyone to be here right now,” he said. “They’re here because they choose to be here. Everyone is working real hard to keep the shelves filled, keep everything clean, and get people in and out as quickly as possible.”
Dean Morgan, owner of Morgan's Meat Market. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)
For the most part the shelves have remained filled at Wagner’s, though Heimer said he’s still not certain what exactly to expect on delivery day. There’s only one limit at the store, toilet paper. As of last week, customers were allowed to purchase one package.
“We’re just trying to take care of everyone in town,” said Heimer. “We want to make sure everyone can get what they need.”
Heimer said the hometown spirit is alive and well.
“It’s been kind of cool to see the small-town atmosphere,” he said. “People are trying to help out wherever they can. We’ve gotten calls from people offering to help and gotten a lot of nice comments from people.”
At Morgan’s Meat Market in New Richland last Friday, there was music playing through the loudspeakers and a steady stream of customers at the front door.
“Actually, business has been awesome,” said owner Dean Morgan. “People are stocking their freezers. It’s just a matter of supplies.”
Morgan’s has been fortunate so far in that regard.
As for daily operation of the meat market, not a lot has changed.
“We’re taking precautions, like we do every day,” said Morgan. “Cleanliness is the main thing. Our guys have always worn gloves. This is something we practice all the time. The meat never gets touched by hands.”
And, Morgan added, there’s no evidence that the coronavirus can be spread through meat. But he said food safety shouldn’t end at the store.
“This is stuff we practice every day, but people also need to do it at home,” said Morgan. “You need to know how to cook meat, what temperature to keep it at. Food safety doesn’t stop at the shop.”
Steve’s Meat Market in Ellendale has also been busy, having gone to a curbside service as a food-processing facility. Customers can call in their order at 684-2331 or pull up in front and place an order.
“It’s been very busy,” said owner Donnavan Eaker, who said the supply chain has been “interesting.”
“We know day to day what our delivery will be,” she said. “Right now we have been very blessed to have a good supply coming in.”
Restaurants in the area have gone to take-outs only, though George’s of Geneva has added delivery service as well. The Red Leaf Cafe in New Richland is also delivering and doing take-outs. Nancy Jane's Bakery is delivering.
The Willows in New Richland said business has been fairly steady.
“We’re lucky to be in such a community as we are,” said the person who answered the telephone on Sunday.
“It is what it is,” said Steve Dittrich, owner of George’s. “There’s not much we can do about it. Quite a few people did come out for take-out Friday and Saturday.”
“We just need to pull together as a nation,” said Eaker. “And we will get through this.”