WADESBORO- Oliver’s Restaurant has been a staple of Uptown Wadesboro ever since they opened their doors on East Wade Street six and a half years ago. Now, amid sanctions and limitations brought on by Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order closing all dine-in service at restaurants, they are struggling to stay open.
“We’ve been limited to only curbside take-out and delivery,” said Oliver’s co-owner Elizabeth Schafer. “In the past, take-out has been less than 10 percent of our sales. With our limitations, with the decrease sales, and obviously not being able to sell beer, wine, or liquor, we’re limited obviously on the products we’re able to sell.”
The restaurant has had to lay off four full-time employees since the Executive Order went into effect.
“We’ve only able to hold on to five full-time employees,” said Schafer. “We’re adjusting our hours. We used to be able to be open til ten p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. That’s just not feasible. People are not coming to get take-out food that late at night.”
Oliver’s has adapted to the restrictions brought on by the Executive Orders by opening commissary that offers provisions, such as milk, eggs, ground beef, toilet paper, and paper towels to their customers.
“It was originally done really for high-risk people, people that didn’t want to have to go from store to store,” explained Schafer. “They can just call ahead, place their order, and someone brings it to your car. You literally just pull up, everything’s ready and we bring it out. We have a handheld device if you want to pay with a card.”
Wadesboro and Anson County have been responsive to the added commissary service. “They’re very appreciative of it. You’re always going to get those handfuls of people who are going to have a negative opinion of what you’re doing, but I would say the response is overwhelmingly positive,” said Schafer.
“We’re doing what we can. Making the most of our situation,” said Schafer. “But, it’s been tough. Sales have been OK. But, the other thing is that the cost of food and goods is fluctuating greatly. Keeping our prices where they are, that’s been a challenge.”
One thing that hasn’t changed since Gov. Cooper’s Executive Order went into effect is Oliver’s use of greens acquired from Anson County High School’s Agri-Science program for their salads.
“The students aren’t there, but they already put the work in for the Agri-Science Center. So, the lettuce is still growing. The teacher over there, Dana Wood, is still bringing the greens over to us,” explained Schafer.
Oliver’s became involved with the Agri-Science Center when Schafer found out they had more product than they knew what to do with.
“Dana Wood wanted to show his students that agri-science isn’t just a hobby, it’s a business opportunity. You don’t have to buy 30 acres, you can, on a smaller scale, make products and sell it.”.
Gov. Cooper’s has recently announced that the lockdown may continue through May. The longer the lockdown is in effect, the greater the impact on local businesses and restaurants. “The challenge is just not knowing day-to-day what’s happening, the uncertainty of this whole thing,” said Schafer. “we’re just trying to work together as a team to stay open and hope the end is near. It’s all a waiting game for everyone.”