During coronavirus crisis, restaurants seek to help workers, public
Steve Barnes, Susie Davidson Powell
March 18, 2020 Updated: April 3, 2020 10:40 a.m.
1of147Dominick Purnomo, owner of dp An American Brasserie, at his empty downtown Albany restaurant located inside the Hampton Inn, on Monday, March 16, 2020, the day when mandatory closures to slow the spread of coronavirus took effect across the state.(Steve Barnes/Times Union)Steve Barnes/Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
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Click through the slideshow for 20 things you don't know about Joe Bonilla of Relentless, a public relations, advertising and public affairs firm in Albany.
Courtesy of Joe BonillaShow MoreShow Less
Jeff Buell.
Lori Van BurenShow MoreShow Less
4of147Heidi Knoblauch Show MoreShow Less
5of147Jason Pierce, co-owner of Savoy Taproom in Albany.File photo/Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
6of147Tattoo artist Elija Ortiz inks medical alert symbol on the wrist of Sadie Dunne of Albany at Tom Spaulding Tattoo and Body Piercing Studio on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. Wednesday was the first day that tattoo shops could reopen for business. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
8of147Albany City School District budget and election ballots are prepared for counting by district employees and community members on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at Arbor Hill Elementary School in Albany, N.Y. The school ballots will all be counted by hand. (Will Waldron/Times Union)Will WaldronShow MoreShow Less
10of147Kari Cushing, executive director of the Franklin Community Center, wears a Saratoga branded face mask at a press event to announce the sale of the masks on Monday, June 15, 2020, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The sale of the masks is a joint initiative between NYRA and the City of Saratoga Springs and portion of proceeds will go to Franklin Community Center and the Shelters of Saratoga. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
11of147A view of the Saratoga branded face masks that will be for sale and a portion of proceeds will go to Franklin Community Center and the Shelters of Saratoga. This is a joint initiative between NYRA and the City of Saratoga Springs. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
12of147Volunteers hand out food bags to those in need at the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany Pastoral Center on Monday, June 15, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. The food distribution event was put on by the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
13of147Volunteers pack food into bags that will be distributed to those in need at the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany Pastoral Center on Monday, June 15, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. The food distribution event was put on by the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
14of147Matthew Leon, of Lovin' Mama Farm, pours beans into a bag during the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, which returned to Riverfront Park on Saturday, June 13, 2020 with 43 vendors. Last month, the market opened for the season in a Russell Sage College parking lot with 25 vendors (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.)TBAShow MoreShow Less
15of147The crowd was wearing masks and following the arrows at the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, which returned to Riverfront Park on Saturday, June 13, 2020 with 43 vendors. Last month, the market opened for the season in a Russell Sage College parking lot with 25 vendors (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.)TBAShow MoreShow Less
16of147Volunteers help as Capital District Area Labor Federation hosts a Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York drive-thru pantry at the Albany Labor Temple on Friday, June 12, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)Lori Van Buren/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
17of147Assemblymember Patricia Fahy urges that indoor malls and small businesses, who are otherwise eligible to begin reopening in a safe and responsible manner, are considered in upcoming Phase 3 as part of the state?•s reopening plan, NY-FORWARD during a press conference at Crossgates Mall on Thursday June 11, 2020 in Guilderland, N.Y. Fahy was joined by leaders from the local business community. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)Lori Van Buren/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
18of147Entrepreneurs Phil Pevzner, at microphone, and his brother Andrew, owners of Laced Up, urge that indoor malls and small businesses, who are otherwise eligible to begin reopening in a safe and responsible manner, are considered in upcoming Phase 3 as part of the state?•s reopening plan, NY-FORWARD during a press conference at Crossgates Mall on Thursday June 11, 2020 in Guilderland, N.Y. The businesses owners were joined by leaders from the local business community. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)Lori Van Buren/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
19of147Volunteer, Amy Blanch of Slingerlands, reaches for a bag of apples as she works packing food into bags that will be handed out at the Albany International Airport on Thursday, June 11, 2020, in Colonie, N.Y. The airport, in cooperation with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, hosted the contactless drive-thru food distribution for anyone in need of food at this time. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
20of147Volunteers work packing food into bag that will be handed out at the Albany International Airport on Thursday, June 11, 2020, in Colonie, N.Y. The airport, in cooperation with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, hosted the contactless drive-thru food distribution for anyone in need of food at this time. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
21of147Patty Paull, left, of Glenville, and her cousin Louise Carlini of Ballston Spa along with their dogs, Sophie, and Simon, enjoy lunch outside of BurgerFi on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
22of147Swifty's Restaurant & Pub was open for first day of outdoor dining permitted by the state under its coronavirus reopening guidelines on Thursday, June 4, 2020, in Delmar, N.Y. (Will Waldron/Times Union)Will Waldron/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
23of147A car enters the COVID-19 testing site at UAlbany on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. There were no lines at the site. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)Lori Van Buren/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
24of147Brandon Whittall, right, hands over purchases to a customer at the Lark Street Mercantile on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. Whittall and his wife Michelle Whittall own the business and also the Clinton Street Mercantile in Schenectady. Michelle was working at the Schenectady store on Wednesday, the first day both stores could reopen to customers. The Lark St. store was newly opened in March and nine days after opening had to close due to new rules dealing with COVID-19. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
25of147Graduating Schenectady High School senior Kini-Analysa McCalmon, center, is pictured with her sister, Zilya, 14, left, and mother, Thearse McCalmon, right, on Thursday, June 4, 2020, in Schenectady, N.Y. Kini-Analysa made face masks and assisted her community in overcoming coronavirus hardships. (Will Waldron/Times Union)Will Waldron/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
26of147Owen Ball, a senior at East Greenbush CSD, has made hundreds of face shields for first-line workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic on his 3D printer. (Courtesy of East Greenbush CSD) Show MoreShow Less
27of147Autumn Waterhouse, standing, takes a lunch order, from left, from Lisa Mooney, Julia Watjen and Tom Connolly at Dawn's Victory Cafe in Albany on Thursday, June 4, 2020. (Photo by Steve Barnes/Times Union.)Steve Barnes/Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
28of147Summer Waterhouse, a server at Dawn's Victory Sports Cafe in Albany, on her first day back at work Thursday after more than 11 weeks of a coronavirus-related furlough.Steve Barnes/Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
29of147Marlon Sousis, the owner of The Palace Barbershop, wipes hair off the neck of customer Michael Munson on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, in Rensselaer, N.Y. Wednesday was the first day that the shop could be back open to the public. Sousis is not requiring his employees or customers to wear a face mask in the barbershop. Sousis said that he believes it is every person's constitutional right to examine the data themselves and to decide what precautions they want to take. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
30of147Informational postings on the window at The Palace Barbershop on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, in Rensselaer, N.Y. Wednesday was the first day that the shop could be back open to the public. The owner, Marlon Sousis is not requiring his employees or customers to wear a face mask in the barbershop. Sousis said that he believes it is every person's constitutional right to examine the data themselves and to decide what precautions they want to take. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
31of147Joey Federico, owner of The Barber Parlor, right, and Ashleigh Goss, operations manager and barber, unload supplies as they prepare to open for business on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. Barber shops are one of the businesses that are allowed to re-open Wednesday after having to close due to COVID-19 pandemic. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)Lori Van Buren/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
32of147Azmat Ahmad prepares food at the Al-Hidaya Center in Latham NY that will get delivered to community service sites during the Fifth National Muslim Soup Kitchen Day on Saturday, May 30, 2020. (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.)James FrancoShow MoreShow Less
33of147Duaa Dawood prepares food at the Al-Hidaya Center in Latham NY for delivery to community service sites during the Fifth National Muslim Soup Kitchen Day on Saturday, May 30, 2020. (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.)James FrancoShow MoreShow Less
34of147Nada Mohamed and Amira Eltahir prepare food at the Al-Hidaya Center in Latham NY for delivery to community service sites during the Fifth National Muslim Soup Kitchen Day on Saturday, May 30, 2020. (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.)James FrancoShow MoreShow Less
35of147Exterior of the Times Union Center on Wednesday, May, 27, 2020, on S. Pearl Street in Albany, N.Y. The downtown Albany venue could host graduation ceremonies as soon as August, if approved. (Will Waldron/Times Union)Will Waldron/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
36of147A pedestrian is seen wearing a mask on Thursday, May 28, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)Lori Van Buren/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
37of147Shaker Road Loudonville Fire Department displays the message "get well America" on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 in Loudonville, N.Y. This is one of many signs that fire departments or businesses have displayed since the outbreak of COVID-19.Lori Van Buren / Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
38of147A man disinfects his hands at Million Dollar Beach on Sunday, May 24, 2020, in Lake George, N.Y. New rules are in effect to help stop the spread of coronavirus. People must wear masks when moving around the beach but masks can be removed when swimming or when sitting on the sand. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
39of147People make their way around Million Dollar Beach on Sunday, May 24, 2020, in Lake George, N.Y. New rules are in effect to help stop the spread of coronavirus. People must wear masks when moving around the beach but masks can be removed when swimming or when sitting on the sand. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
40of147Signs are posted at Million Dollar Beach on Sunday, May 24, 2020, in Lake George, N.Y. New rules are in effect to help stop the spread of coronavirus. People must wear masks when moving around the beach but masks can be removed when swimming or when sitting on the sand. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
41of147Staff wearing masks were making sure people practiced social distancing and disinfected handrails at the beach at Thompson's Lake Campground on Monday, May 25, 2020 in East Berne, N.Y. Most campsites at the campground were empty due to a mandate of no camping at state campgrounds due to COVID-19. Although, some people were day picnicking on the campsites. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)Lori Van Buren/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
42of147Staff wearing masks were making sure people practiced social distancing at the beach at Thompson's Lake Campground on Monday, May 25, 2020 in East Berne, N.Y. Most campsites at the campground were empty due to a mandate of no camping at state campgrounds due to COVID-19. Although, some people were day picnicking on the campsites. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)Lori Van Buren/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
43of147Let's Be Leonard is seen performing on the back of Bonacio Construction, Inc. flatbed truck on Broadway to celebrate Caffe Lena's 60th Anniversary in the time of social distancing on Thursday, May 21, 2020 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Hot Club of Saratoga and Garland Nelson also performed on separate trucks. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)Lori Van Buren/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
45of147Staff of the Colonie Senior Service Centers, along with staff from Hector PT lead an exercise, movement event called the Quarantine Exercise Hour outside of The Beltrone Living Center on Thursday, May 21, 2020, in Colonie, N.Y. The staff performed the movements from the ground as the residents follow along by looking out the window from their individual apartments. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
46of147A sign on the front window of the Illium Cafe and Bistro is posted to thank their customers seen here on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, in Troy, N.Y. The owner, chef Marla Ortega, has announced that the restaurant is permanently closed due to the uncertainty of how to reopen during the pandemic. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
47of147A COVID-19 related sign is seen in the window of Saratoga Day Spa on Broadway on Thursday, May 21, 2020 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)Lori Van Buren/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
48of147A COVID-19 related sign is seen in a restaurant window on Broadway on Thursday, May 21, 2020 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)Lori Van Buren/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
49of147East Greenbush School District school bus driver, Carianne Rudolph leads a parade of cars filled with school teachers and staff on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, in East Schodack, N.Y. Bus drivers, teachers and staff were visiting every senior from Columbia High School over two days. This year 300 students will graduate from Columbia. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
50of147Columbia High School senior Nina Tedeschi waves as a car parade of East Greenbush School District teachers and staff drive by her home on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, in East Schodack, N.Y. Bus drivers, teachers and staff were visiting every senior from Columbia High School over two days. This year 300 students will graduate from Columbia. Tedeschi, the class salutatorian, is going to be studying at Johns Hopkins University where she will be majoring in biomedical and mechanical engineering. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
51of147Antonio Bazzoffi, director of operations for SUNY Empire State College, stacks up donated baby items inside a CDTA bus at the college's Stuff the Bus event on Monday, May 18, 2020, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The event, which took in essential baby items, was part of the United Way of the Greater Capital RegionA?•s annual day of service, 5.18 Day. Most all of the other 5.18 Day events were virtual due to the pandemic. Only new unopened items were accepted and and disinfecting protocol was being followed before the items were turned over to local organizations who would distribute the supplies to those in need. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul BuckowskiShow MoreShow Less
52of147Outreach program assistant Luzmarie Rosario is seen delivering food to a homeless person as the Albany Outreach Van drives around and delivers food for the homeless on Monday, May 18, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. The program has seen the unsheltered triple due to fears of contracting the virus in a shelter. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)Lori Van Buren/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
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The message of NY Tough is created on the Corning Tower at the Empire State Plaza on Sunday, May 17, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. The message has been displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
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Volunteers James Pierce, left, and Jill Robbins load food into the back of a car at a food pantry at Clayton A. Bouton High School on Friday, May 15, 2020 in Voorheesville, N.Y. Ballston Spa National Bank, in conjunction with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and the Voorheesville School District hosted the drive-thru food pantry for area families and individuals in need of food and supplies. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
A employee at the Amsterdam Michaels Arts & Crafts store puts up a sign on their first day of opening under lifting state coronavirus restrictions on Friday, May, 15, 2020, at Amsterdam Commons in Amsterdam, N.Y. The retail store is only open for curbside pickup on orders in the state's Mohawk Valley zone. The Capital Region remains on lockdown. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
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People enjoy the calm before the storm at Washington Park on Friday, May 15, 2020 in Albany, N.Y.(Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
From left, Kyle Kissoon takes photos of Shanti Sinanan, University at Albany graduate Sherelle Sinanan, University at Albany graduate Tunisha Haque, Shauneille Sinanan and Clyde Sinanan outside the Capitol on Friday, May 15, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. The family was taking photos of the grads in their caps and gowns by the tulips today since there isn't a traditional commencement ceremony. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Meghan Zautner works the snack bar on opening night at the Jericho Drive-In in Glenmont, NY on Friday, May 15 2020 (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.)
James FrancoShow MoreShow Less
A number of rules were in place on opening night at the Jericho Drive-In in Glenmont, NY on Friday, May 15 2020 (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.)
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Shannon Delaney works the ice cream bar on opening night at the Jericho Drive-In in Glenmont, NY on Friday, May 15 2020 (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.)
Vincent Marro, Jamie Ockenholt, Bailey and Owen O'Brien and Nicholas Marro wait for the movie to start on opening night at the Jericho Drive-In in Glenmont, NY on Friday, May 15 2020 (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.)
Patrons at opening day of the Delmar Farmer's Market held at its new location, Elm Avenue Park, on Saturday, May 16, 2020 (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.)
Maria Buhl picks out a hanging plant during opening day of the Delmar Farmer's Market held at its new location, Elm Avenue Park, on Saturday, May 16, 2020 (Jim Franco/Special to the Times Union.)
Health care workers are seen taking down personal information from drivers at a coronavirus testing site at the Washington Irving Education Center on Wednesday, Tuesday, April 29, 2020 in Schenectady, N.Y. Click through the gallery for scenes from the Capital Region since the coronavirus struck.
Josh Greenberg of Guilderland, left, and Luke NcNamee of Troy play songs such as what they call "Pomp and Quarantine," "Rainbow Connection" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on their saxophones on the steps of Russel Sage College on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. The two saxophonist wanted to do something nice for the upcoming graduates in the Capital Region who won't be able to attend a traditional commencement ceremony. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Don Smyers, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties, unboxes some of the hand sanitizer that was being given out to farmers on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, in Cobleskill, N.Y. The program to get masks, hand sanitizer, and educational material to farms is a partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. There is no cost to farms for these products. The two distribution sites are the Sunshine Fairgrounds in Cobleskill and Northern Eagle Beverages in Oneonta. Both sites will be open again on Thursday, May 14th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and again on Wednesday, May 20th, and Thursday, May 21st from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
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People are seen on top of a parking garage waiting for an LC-130 "Skibird" from the New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift Wing to fly over St. Peter's Hospital on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. "Skier 95" conducted a 12-city regional flyover to salute medical professionals, first responders, and essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The health care workers below weren't able to see the plane as it flew too north of the hospital. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Leslie Boyd of Saratoga Apple, left, takes money from Peggie Hunt of Albany who was shopping with her mother Lorrie Mazza of Albany, at right, at the farmer's market at New Covenant Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. People were asked to wear masks and practice social distancing. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
A vender helps a customer pick out a vegetable plant at the farmer's market at New Covenant Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. People were asked to wear masks and practice social distancing. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
A customer pays for food at the Euro Delicacies vender at the farmer's market at New Covenant Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. People were asked to wear masks and practice social distancing. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Max LaMarche, foreground, and Maxx Kim, background, employees of Remarkable Liquids, repackage milk into to boxes on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, in Guilderland Center, N.Y. Price Chopper/Market 32 partnered with dairy farm cooperative, Dairy Farmers of America, Garelick Farms and Remarkable Liquids to donate and repackage nearly 5,000 gallons of milk that will then be donated to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Volunteers check people in at the start of food distribution to families in need during at the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany Pastoral Center on Monday, May 11, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany teamed up with Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York to hold their second food distribution event. The next food event for the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany will be on May 19th in Fort Plain. More information about the various food distribution events can be found on the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany website. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Volunteers, Rich Jarvis, left, from Albany, and Eddie DelCastillo from Clifton Park, load food into the back of a vehicle for a family during a food distribution event at the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany Pastoral Center on Monday, May 11, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany teamed up with Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York to hold their second food distribution event. The next food event for the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany will be on May 19th in Fort Plain. More information about the various food distribution events can be found on the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany website. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
A healthcare worker gets a sample from a patient at a COVID-19 testing site behind Warren County Municipal Center on Thursday, May 7, 2020 in Queensbury, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Nurses and staff from St. Peter's Health Partners line South Manning Boulevard outside St. Peter's Hospital where they held a candle lighting ceremony in celebration of National Nurses Month on Wednesday night, May, 6, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. A similar event was held at Samaritan Hospital in Troy. Organizers hope that the ceremony shows that healthcare workers can serve as a guiding light through the COVID-19 pandemic. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Rojay Ragbeer, left, an employee of CK Cycles, checks for a leak in a tire on Mary Jo Conover's bicycle in the parking lot of the bike shop on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, in Colonie, N.Y. Employees of the shop are meeting customers in the parking lot to take their bikes in for repairs. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Rev. Scott VanDerveer is seen offering prayers for the memory of one of his parishioners who just died of COVID-19 from outside The Pines at Catskill Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation on Friday, May 1, 2020 in Catskill, N.Y. He then prayed for all the staff and residents of the facility, blessing the whole building and everyone inside. He was capturing everything on video to post on his parishes Facebook page. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Tahlia Hadley, chaplain, St. Peter's Health Partners, left, and Aloysius Kabunga, manager spiritual care for St. Peter's Health Partners stand inside St. Peter's Hospital where they work on Friday, May 1, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Protesters gather outside the state Capitol on Friday to decry Gov. Andrew Cuomo's decision to close businesses in New York in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus.
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Ellis Hospital health care worker Sam Westbrook is seen getting a sample from a person at a coronavirus testing site at the Washington Irving Education Center on Wednesday, Tuesday, April 29, 2020 in Schenectady, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
People are tested at the new Ellis McClellan Street campus COVID-19 testing site on Monday, April 27, 2020, in Schenectady, N.Y. Schenectady opened its first mobile testing sites this week. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
When the COVID-19 pandemic closed school buildings across New York state, a chain reaction took place that affected school-age children. Students had to quickly adapt to remote learning, figure out if their Wi-Fi connection would be suitable to connect with teachers, and face the challenge of not being able to see friends and family. On a much more basic level, students and families had to figure out where meals would be coming from daily. To assist with that need, staff members at Averill Park Central School District have come together to form a food service and delivery program. Now a full month into the closure of school buildings, APCSD is making roughly 2,500 meals per week, including 1,250 breakfasts and 1,250 lunches. "We are still required to follow the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program meal pattern, so the meals consist of the same components that are offered in school," APCSD Director of Food Services, Colleen Wise, said. "Each breakfast includes whole grains, milk, juice and fruit. Lunches include whole grains, meat or a meat alternative, such as cheese or yogurt, fruit, vegetables, and milk."
Members of the community drop off donations as Northway Church Partners with Veterans Community and Housing Coalition to Feed Homeless Veterans on Friday, April 24, 2020 in Clifton Park, N.Y. Donations will go directly to the Vet House which provides beds to homeless veterans as well as distributed to vets and families in permanent supportive housing. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Advocates calling for the release of medically vulnerable prisoners because of the pandemic, honk their car horns as they held a protest outside the New York State Executive Mansion on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
A customer gets a bottled water from Roy's Caribbean Restaurant food truck next to West Capitol Park as their season begins on Monday, April 20, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, food trucks will be separated from one-another by at least ten feet and have to comply with all other social distancing requirements. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Teachers and staff from Sheridan Preparatory Academy drive in a parade to show how much they miss their students on Friday, April 17, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy and County Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen announced the opening of three walk-up COVID-19 test sites including this one at the Capital South Campus Center on Thursday, April 16, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. An appointment is required at the sites. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Volunteer Maya Lewis from Watervliet places a watermelon into a food box as she and other volunteers prepared the boxes that would then be handed out to those in need during a mass food distribution on Thursday, April 16, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. The event is part of the Catholic Charities' mobile outreach program. Catholic Charities teamed up with the Regional Food Bank to get food to those in need in the City of Albany. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Volunteers from the Mechanicville-Stillwater Elks assist Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York members in distributing food to Saratoga County residents during a drive-through food pantry event on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at the Mechanicville-Stillwater Elks in Mechanicville, N.Y. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Quick Response technician Austin Connors uses an electrostatic sprayer to disinfect firefighters gear and their fire truck at Knickerbacker Ice Arena on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 in Troy, N.Y. Quick Response was disinfecting Rensselaer County police cars, fire trucks and ambulances for free to help during the coronavirus outbreak. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Picnic tables and benches are covered with caution tape to deter people from gathering in Powers Park due to the coronavirus on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 in Troy, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Governor Andrew Cuomo helps unload a ventilator at Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Sunday, April 12, 2020, in Niskayuna, N.Y. The state was returning ventilators that the center had loaned out to help fill the need of ventilators during the pandemic. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Governor Andrew Cuomo talks with staff at Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center through a closed window on Sunday, April 12, 2020, in Niskayuna, N.Y. Governor Cuomo was at the center to thank them for the ventilators they loaned the state during the pandemic. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks at a press event at Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Sunday, April 12, 2020, in Niskayuna, N.Y. The state was returning ventilators that the center had loaned out to help fill the need of ventilators during the pandemic. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Tianna Pettinger of East Greenbush, left, and her daughters Ellienna, 9, and Marianna, 12, right, watch as the Easter Bunny rides on a firetruck through East Greenbush neighborhoods on Friday, April 10, 2020 in East Greenbush, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
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The Easter Bunny rides on a firetruck through East Greenbush neighborhoods on Friday, April 10, 2020 in East Greenbush, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
A sign thanking CDTA drivers is seen on a tree along New Scotland Ave. on Friday, April 10, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Pedestrians are seen wearing a protective mask as they walk down a sidewalk along State St. on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Annabelle Carroll, who suffers from autism, is delighted at the sight of surprise parade thrown by friends and well wishers to celebrate her eleventh birthday on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, on Sycamore Street in Albany, N.Y. An Albany fire truck and several Albany police cars led the parade. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
From left, Kevin O'Connor, Albany County director of Economic Development, Conservation and Planning, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, and Albany County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen unveil a $100k consultant's report during a press conference on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. The report states why the county should create a new economic development office and local development corporation. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Schenectady City Councilwoman Marion Porterfield, background, speaks with employees of Mohawk Ambulance after prayers were said outside the ambulance garage for the workers and the patients they care for on Sunday, April 5, 2020, in Schenectady, N.Y. A group of religious leaders and members of their congregations along with Schenectady City Councilwoman Marion Porterfield held a vehicle caravan on Sunday visiting first responder locations. At each site one pastor and one member of their congregation got out and prayed. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
BJ Aviza, a volunteer at The Furry Friends Pet Food Pantry at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, is seen carrying food to her car at the shelter on Monday, April 6, 2020 in Menands, N.Y. For those who are ill or in self-isolation and live in Albany, Rensselaer or Saratoga County, the Society can deliver food. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Work continues as a COVID-19 drive-through testing site is set up at the University at Albany on Sunday, April 5, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. The testing site will start up on Monday and is only for those who make appointments beforehand. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Tammy Ogden, a senior recreation therapist in the department of psychiatry at Albany Med, poses for a photo outside the hospital on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Christine Murphy is seen serving customers in their car out of the Snowman-to-go trailer parked behind the main ice cream stand on Friday, April 3, 2020 in Troy, N.Y. Her husband and owner of Snowman, John Murphy, carefully set up everything to deal with social distancing but was forced to close when people ignored the safeguards. He's allowing pre-ordered pickup and trying to figure out how to reopen. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Molly Sky, 4, stands wither her mother Alexa, left, as they wave to Watervliet School District teachers and staff during a caravan parade through the city on Friday, April 3, 2020, in Watervliet, N.Y. Students and family members came to their doorsteps to reconnect with school staff members following the coronavirus lockdown. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Watervliet School District teachers and staff members wave to students and family while taking part in a caravan parade through the city to reconnect with students during the coronavirus lockdown on Friday, April 3, 2020, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
A helipad is surrounded by barriers in a parking lot on the Hackett Blvd. side of St. Peter's Hospital on Friday, April 3, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Dr. Pamela Reppert, left, checks the ears of Lucy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, as Veterinarian Assistant Tracy Powell holds her outside Saratoga Springs Veterinary Hospital on Thursday April 2, 2020 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The animal hospital set up a fenced in fresh air veterinary care examining room outside their building and had the animal's human stay inside their car. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
FULL STORY: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Saratoga-Springs-veterinarian-creates-outdoor-15174808.php
Volunteers including Mayor Bill Keeler, left, and organizer Theresa Bourgeois, right, help Cohoes residents in need of food as they pick up bags of groceries from their cars at the Emergency Food Distribution at the Cohoes Visitors Center on Thursday April 2, 2020 in Cohoes, N.Y. The people picking up food were in need as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
A sign warning people how to reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus is posted at a Washington Avenue Capitol entrance on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. The Capitol complex has been closed to visitors during the outbreak. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Columbia High School seniors, from left, Julia Poitras, 18, Brady Hoffman, 18, Jessica Vorst, 17, and Ella Conway practice social distancing as they meet up in the school's parking lot on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 in East Greenbush.
A rainbow made of fabric is seen on a porch of a home on Rt. 20 on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 in Stottville, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
A view of the first non-hospital testing site for COVID-19 at Community Care Physicians on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, in Latham, N.Y. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Susan Dunckel, owner of Sweet Sue's Copper Pot, applies a vanilla buttercream icing to a four inch round pound cake on Monday, March 30, 2020, in Troy, N.Y. Dunckel began selling the cakes made to look like a roll of toilet paper on Saturday and Monday was the first day she began filling all the orders. Becky Kendall, background, a recruited baker that Dunckel has brought in to help fill the orders. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Campsites are closed for the season at Thompson's Lake State Park Campground on Monday, March 30, 2020, in New Scotland, N.Y. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
A Gulf gas sign displays a price of $2.17 per gallon for regular gas with cash payment on Monday, March 30, 2020 in Colonie, N.Y. Gasoline prices in the Capital Region are down nearly 30 cents a gallon from a month ago, according to AAA Fuel Gauge reports. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
A sign is seen on a car that was in a caravan with District Attorney candidate Matt Toporowski as he threw bottles of hand sanitizer to people outside the New York State Capitol as he campaigns on Friday, March 27, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, left, and Albany County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen hold a press conference to discuss coronavirus in Albany County on Sunday, March 29, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Members of Albany Police Athletic League (PAL) including Leonard Ricchiuti, Jr., executive director, deliver bags of cheer to some of the homebound seniors at St. Vincent?•s Apartments on Friday, March 27, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. They're also delivering to Holy Wisdom and St. Sophia?•s, and the South Mall Towers. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Department of Recreation employees Casey Craig, left, and Johnny White post signs on the basketball equipment at Washington Park informing the public not to use them on Friday, March 27, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. They told young men who were there alone they were fine. The city is discouraging groups of people playing basketball or other sports that involve close contact. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
J.C. Glindmyer, owner of Earthworld comics, waits on the curb for two customers to drive up on Thursday, March 26, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. Glindmyer started doing curbside delivery to customers on Wednesday, the day new releases come out. He said that customers should email the shop or reach out through the shop's Facebook page or Instagram account to place an order. Glindmyer said that he opened the comic book store in 1983 and is just trying to get comics into the hands of his customers as they are staying home. The shop will be doing curbside delivery till 6pm on Friday and 5pm and Saturday, then customers should check the website or Facebook page for information on what days they will be open next week. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Shaker Road Elementary first-grader Kennedy Pielo, 7, holds a sign in support of school staff during a school parade on Thursday, March 26, 2020, at the corner of Albany Shaker Road at Osborne in Colonie, N.Y. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Olivia Dunn Jimmy Taylor are pictured with their baby daughter, Rosalind Olga Taylor, on Thursday, March 26, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. New parenthood has been bittersweet for Olivia and Jimmy ?' they're head over heels for their new baby girl, but heartbroken that their parents have not been able to hold or be near their first grandchild. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Emma Sawyer, left, general manager of Savoy, volunteers with the Feed Albany program in front of the restaurant Savoy on Lark St. Wednesday, March 25, 2020 in Albany, N.Y Feed Albany is a COVID-19 relief program to help people in need such as restaurant workers who are unemployed due to the coronavirus. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
The Times Union Center displays messages relating to the coronavirus in between concert advertising on Wednesday March 25, 2020 in Albany, N.Y #518RAINBOWHUNT refers to hundreds of local families and businesses that are spreading joy in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak by displaying rainbows in their windows or front yards. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
People keep their social distance while standing in line for the food pantry at Saint Vincent DePaul Parish Center on Wednesday March 25, 2020 in Albany, N.Y (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Employees from Upstate Pressure Cleaning sanitize and disinfect a CDTA bus stop enclosure along Western Ave. on Wednesday March 25, 2020 in Albany, N.Y They were cleaning all the CDTA bus stops. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Douglas Estadt, owner of Capital Distillery, talks to customers Dave Catalfamo of Albany and his sister Dori Parla of Connecticut who were looking to buy vodka and hand sanitizer on Wednesday March 25, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. Dave and Dori were taking care of their elderly father who is a WWll veteran. Doug has been making hand sanitizer with the "tails" left over when he distills vodka, adding tea tree oil and lavender as well as aloe vera gel. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Mary Bon, minister of music at The First Church in Albany, makes her way past worshipers in vehicles on her way to the pulpit during a drive-in service on Sunday, March 22, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. The church usually begins their drive-in services in May but started them early to give people a place to go for Sunday service where they can still be isolated from each other. Senior minister Mashona Walston said that she plans to continue the services, holding them every Sunday at 10:30am. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
East Greenbush Supervisor Jack Conway stands in an empty part of town hall on Monday, March 23, 2020, in East Greenbush, N.Y. East Greenbush has closed it's parks and almost all town hall workers are working from home. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
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Police tape is used to mark off playground equipment at the Seventh Street Park on Monday, March 23, 2020, in Watervliet, N.Y. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
The Saratoga County Office of Emergency Services distributed personal protection equipment (PPE) and hand sanitizer to nursing home facilities, senior facilities, medical support staff and emergency responders this past weekend March 22, 2020.
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Tents set up for COVID-19 screening are seen behind Samaritan Albany Memorial Hospital on Friday, Mar. 20, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Jenn March, Special to the Times Union)
Jenn March/Jenn March PhotographyShow MoreShow Less
A view of the empty lot at the temporarily closed Macy's store in Colonie Center on Thursday, March 19, 2020, in Colonie, N.Y. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Exterior of the coronavirus testing tent in the rear parking lot at Albany Medical Center on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
People line up outside of Trader Joe's before they open for the day on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in Colonie, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, left, Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, second from left, Deputy Minority Leader, Joseph Griffo, and Senate Minority Leader John Flanagan hold a Senate session on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, in Albany, N.Y. All the other senators voted remotely so as not to be in the chamber next to each other due to the corona virus. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)
Trader Joe's employee Sophia Therodorou dispenses hand sanitizer to customers as they enter Trader Joe's on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in Colonie, N.Y. The store was letting 50 people in at a time. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
Almost every cart had toilet paper in it as customers leave BJ's Wholesale Club on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in Colonie, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
An electronic sign with the message "stay home, stop the spread" is seen southbound on Rt. 787 on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in Albany, N.Y. The sign also rotated with the message "save lives, #flattenthecurve." (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
A sign is posted on the front door of The Fresh Market on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in Lathem, N.Y. The sign asks for customers to reserve the first hour between 8 A.M. to 9 A.M. for seniors and other customers who are at risk. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
YWCA staff members Shara Branon-Bender, left, Angelina Jones, second from right, and Rick Rivera, right, help bring in food to the YWCA delivered by Pete Borys, in truck, of the Food Pantries for the Capital District on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 in Troy, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
ALBANY — Initially stunned by an unprecedented government order that shut down most of their industry, restaurateurs pivoted quickly this week to address two new fronts: operating on a takeout/delivery-only basis, for those that choose to do so, and finding ways to help. For the latter, that meant assistance for both the general public, some of whom are facing new or worsened food insecurity, and for hourly restaurant employees who are suddenly out of work.
It's all part of the mindset of much of an industry that considers its job to be taking care of people, not just providing food and beverage. In restaurant parlance, patrons are guests rather than mere customers.
On Tuesday, an organization called Feed Albany was launched by restaurant and business executives and a local official. It is soliciting donations with the goal of providing at-risk people with free or low-cost meals and offering unemployed restaurant workers the chance to receive financial assistance by preparing and distributing food throughout the Capital Region.
The first meals are projected to be available Friday, organizers said. In addition to soliciting financial donations from the public and seeking government and private grants, Feed Albany is asking restaurants with commercial kitchens, now unused or largely dormant, to donate their use for meal preparation.
The nascent organization's website, feedalbany.com, has sections for people to apply for meals, unemployed restaurant workers to volunteer time in exchange for financial assistance and restaurateurs to offer kitchen space. In less than a day, several kitchens had signed up, as had more than 30 volunteers, organizers said. The goal is to have at least six kitchens producing food.
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Feed Albany's founders are Joe Bonilla, managing partner and co-founder of the marketing firm Relentless Awareness, which counts members of the food and beverage industry among its clients; Matthew T. Peter, executive director of the Albany Parking Authority and an Albany County legislator; Jason and Kay Pierce, co-owners of Savoy Taproom in Albany; and Dominick Purnomo, wine director and co-owner of the Albany restaurants Yono's and dp: An American Brasserie.
Purnomo is also involved with another effort being introduced this week: Tip Your Bartender. The site, at tipyourbartender.online, allows the public to donate online directly to the personal PayPal or Venmo accounts of bartenders, servers, chefs and cooks. (The effort has also reserved the URLs tipyourserver.online, tipyourchef.online and tipyourcook.online; all redirect to the main site.)
Officially due to launch Friday, Tip Your Bartender is soliciting profiles from area restaurant workers that site visitors will be able to browse among and select for tips, in $5 increments; and it is seeking donations of gift cards from restaurants and other businesses that will be raffled off daily. When the site went live, dp/Yono's and Plumb Oyster Bar in Troy had committed gift cards.
Also involved with Tip Your Bartender are Jeff Buell and Jessica Sheridan of Redburn Development, which has committed $80 million to a 10-building renovation deal in restaurant-rich downtown Albany; and Heidi Knoblauch, owner of Plumb. As a prelaunch incentive, Redburn promised $2,000 would be donated to restaurant workers through the site, Buell said in a Tuesday video introducing Tip Your Bartender. Bonilla, who is also helping with this effort, said Relentless Awareness would donate $500 in tips.
Servers and bartenders are among those expected to be particularly hard hit by the ban on bar and dine-in service. As tipped employees, most are paid the minimum of $7.85 per hour, though gratuities in many cases bring their wages to $20 or $25 per hour or higher. According to academic and industry research, tipped food-service employees are twice as likely as the rest of the working population to live paycheck to paycheck.
A group of Saratoga Springs restaurateurs has been meeting this week to set up a fund to aid unemployed restaurant workers in an around the Spa City, and some individual restaurants, including Sunhee's Farm & Kitchen in Troy, have already launched online fundraising pages for their donations to their staff.
Our restaurant critic, Susie Davidson Powell, has been assembling a list of takeout and delivery options for restaurants and food businesses around the greater Capital Region. Below are several; if you have any you would like to add, comment on the Table Hopping blog post — blog.timesunion.com/tablehopping — about takeout and delivery specials.
("Curbside" indicates curbside delivery.)
Cuckoo's Nest (Albany): Offering to-go menus, delivery, curbside, gift certificates, wine
Crave (Albany): Offering to-go menus, delivery, curbside, gift certificates
Hamlet & Ghost (Saratoga Springs): Offering to-go menus, delivery, curbside, gift certificates, booze
288 Lark (Albany): Offering gift certificates
Solevo (Saratoga Springs): Offering to-go menus, curbside, gift certificates, wine, dry goods
Milano (Latham): Offering to-go menus, delivery, curbside, gift certificates, wine
Lark St. Poke (Albany): Offering to-go menus, delivery, curbside, gift certificates, booze
Malcolm's (Schenectady): Offering to-go menus, curbside, gift certificates, wine
Nighthawks (Troy): Offering to-go menus, delivery, curbside, gift certificates, wine
Gracie's (Catskill): Offering to-go menus, curbside, gift certificates, online store
Sunhee's (Troy): Offering to-go menus, delivery, curbside, gift certificates, dry goods
Perfect Blend (Delmar): Offering to-go menus, curbside, dry goods
Franklin Alley (Troy): Offering to-go menus, delivery, curbside, booze
Collar City Cold Pressed (Troy): Offering delivery, curbside
Troy Kitchen (Troy): Offering to-go menus, curbside, gift certificates
The Daisy (Troy): Offering to-go menus, curbside, gift certificates
Delaware Supply (Albany): Offering to-go menus, curbside, gift certificates
Albany Ale & Oyster (Albany): Offering to-go menus, curbside, gift certificates, wine, beer
New World Bistro Bar (Albany): Offering to-go menus, delivery to Albany and Delmar locations, curbside, gift certificates, wine, beer
3Fish (Albany): Offering to-go menus, curbside, gift certificates
Graham's Coffee (Schenectady): Offering to-go menus, curbside, gift certificates
Walt & Whitman (Saratoga Springs): Offering to-go menus, curbside, gift certificates, wine, beer
Henning's Local (Catskill): Offering to-go menus, curbside, gift certificates
Mermaid Cafe (Catskill): Offering to-go menus, delivery, curbside, gift certificates
June Farms (Averill Park): Offering gift certificates
Nine Pin Cider (Albany): Offering to-go menus, curbside, gift certificates
Alb. Distilling Co. (Albany): Offering to-go menus, curbside, gift certificates, booze
Dyad (Kinderhook): Offering to-go menus, curbside, gift certificates, wine, beer
Saissoner (Kinderhook): Offering to-go menus, curbside, gift certificates, wine, beer
Plumb Oyster Bar (Troy): Offering cocktail delivery only
Wishing Well (Wilton): Offering occasional takeout dinners, gift certificates
Docs (Glens Falls): Offering curbside, gift certificates
AJ's Pizzeria (West Sand Lake): Offering to-go options, gift certificates
El Loco (Albany): Offering to-go options, gift certificates
Rip Van Winkle Brewing (Catskill): Offering gift certificates
Superior Merch (Troy): Offering online store, gift certificates
Front Street Social (Ballston Spa): Offering takeout, delivery, gift certificates
Bartlett House (Ghent): Offering takeout, gift certificates
Crossroads Food Shop (Hillsdale): Offering gift certificates
Bake 4 U (Delmar/Slingerlands): Offering to-go menus, curbside, gift certificates
Rivertown (Hudson): Offering to-go menus, curbside, gift certificates, wine
Lucas Confectionery/Peck's (Troy): Offering to-go menus, delivery, curbside, gift certificates, wine
Pieconic (Chatham): Offering to-go menus, curbside
Talbott & Arding (Hudson): Offering to-go menus, curbside, gift certificates, wine
Carmens (Troy): Offering to-go menus, delivery (weekends only)
Twisted Vine (Delmar): Offering delivery to Delmar and Slingerlands area, online ordering, curbside, gift certificates, wine, beer
Resources and how to help
On the regional and national levels, the following are available:
HudsonValleyStrong Shopping Card Program: Modeled after the National Dining Bonds Program; ediblehudsonvalley.ediblecommunities.com.
National Dining Bonds Program: Supportrestaurants.org.
One Fair Wage: OFW Emergency Coronavirus Fund; onefairwage.com
Restaurant Workers Community Foundation: restaurantworkerscf.org.
U.S. Bartenders Guild National Charity Foundation: Bartenders Emergency Assistance Program (BEAP); usbgfoundation.org.
James Beard Foundation: Food Industry + COVID-19 webinar: jamesbeard.org.
Mental Health Resources:
Restaurant After Hours: Mental-health resources for the hospitality industry, restaurantafterhours.org.
Finally, some things the general public can do:
Buy takeout, delivery, gift cards and merchandise from your favorite bars and restaurants.
Order beer, wine and cocktails for pickup/delivery.
Donate to the organizations listed under "Financial aid" above.
Donate to local GoFundme pages.
Donate to Boys and Girls Clubs that are starting to provide meals at multiple locations
Donate to No Kid Hungry, UNICEF, providing meals for food-insecure, at-risk kids.
Consider ordering delivery of food to hospitals, service sites.
Check on your neighbors. Cook food and deliver to elderly neighbors.
Tackle home-based projects, engage children in schoolwork, cook, read, self-care.
Connect with friends by phone/online so social isolation doesn't become depression.
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Local chambers of commerce and business improvement districts have been collecting similar details from their members, and those lists are continually being updated. Some sites to visit:
https://larkstreetbid.org/support-hub/
https://downtownalbany.org/safelysupport
https://downtownschenectady.org/portfolio/support-downtown-schenectadys-local-businesses/
https://www.facebook.com/saratoga.chamber
Reach Steve on
Steve Barnes has worked at the Times Union since 1996, served as arts editor for six years, and since 2005 has been a senior writer. He generally covers restaurants, food and the arts, and is the Times Union's restaurant columnist and theater critic. Steve was also a journalism instructor at the University at Albany for 12 years. You can reach him at sbarnes@timesunion.com or (518) 454-5489.
Susie Davidson Powell