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Chula Vista restaurants safely entice customers during COVID-19 pandemic

In an effort to increase business, the restaurants are banding together, and taking things one step further to ensure safety for all.

CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Like most communities in San Diego and in the state of California, the streets of Chula Vista’s historic 3rd Avenue Village look a lot lonelier because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Adam Sparks is the owner of Mangia Italiano, a well-known restaurant on the strip.

“Things changed dramatically. We got a two-hour notice to no longer be what we are, which was mostly dine in. So far, we are doing okay. That being said, the whole street is not,” Sparks told News 8.

Like the other restaurants in the area, Mangia Italiano is only open for takeout and delivery. Business owners like Sparks are encouraging families do takeout and delivery over the weekend holiday. 

Sparks uses several food delivery service apps, but said before the pandemic, not all restaurants did. According to Sparks, some restaurants are having trouble adding such services because of the demand for delivery service. 

Sparks said many of the area's loyal customers fall into the virus’ most vulnerable population and maybe don’t use smart phone apps.

“I have some regulars, this one gentleman, whom I love and he’s had five heart surgeries,” he said.

So, in an effort to increase business, the restaurants are banding together, and taking things one step further.

Sparks said they are giving people more options to avoid human interaction that could potentially get someone sick.

“They call whenever they get here, and when their order is ready, we put it on the hood [of the car] and that way no one has to be in contact," said Sparks.

He just wants people to know, 3rd Avenue is open for business.

The restaurants are doing everything to protect their customers while also making sure the businesses can stay afloat.

These are the other restaurants taking part in the increasing efforts to social distance together:

Brew Bar                          619-606-3596          Specialty drinks and Vegan

Don Pedro's                     619-427-0214          Popular Mexican Food.

Grind House                    619-576-0582          Sandwiches and specialty coffee drinks.

Tavern @ the Voque      619-371-3322          Sandwiches and much more.

Mangia Italiano               619-623-3553         Full Regular Italian & Full GLUTEN FREE menu.

Breweries

Three Punks                       619-271-4853          Local Craft Beer

Bar Sin Nombre                 619-237-8392          Specialty Beer and Wine.

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