If you are a human being living on earth in March of 2020, there is an extremely high likelihood that your life has been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic in some way. You’ve likely noticed the thinning shelves in grocery stores (a byproduct of panic-buying), where toilet paper and dairy products are absent. As cases of COVID-19 continue to spread worldwide, efforts have been taken to combat and mitigate the growth of the virus. In the U.S., several states have declared emergency scenarios, urging the general population to stay at home under self-quarantine, and outright banning gatherings of more than a handful of people. This unprecedented series of events has brought the economy to a screeching halt, forcing restaurants, businesses, schools, and places of worship to close their doors to the public for an indefinite amount of time. Therefore, the vast majority of the working population is now stuck in their homes, and will be for the foreseeable future.
Then we come to the topic of food. How can the community provide business to local restaurants during an unprecedented statewide emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic? How can we expect small businesses to turn enough of a profit to keep their employees on the payroll when they might be out of work for months? Enter Uber Eats. The San Francisco-based ride-share company began its online food ordering/delivery platform in 2014, and has been seeing steady growth ever since. The company seized the opportunity to play a major role in the midst of the outbreak, and have waived the ~$4.00 delivery fee for local restaurants only. This smart business decision allows local eateries to stay open when they would otherwise be forced to close down, and also encourages the community to support family-run businesses over corporate chains. The best part? Some of the greatest food in the area can be delivered straight to your door through a phone application that’s literally at your fingertips. Though not every restaurant in the area is partnered with Uber Eats, there are options for just about anything your taste buds are calling for. And what kind of article would this be without a few personal recommendations?
Tacos Super Uno — Richland
Who says that great tacos can’t be found in Richland? This small food truck stands on the corner of Goethals and Aaron Dr, and has been slinging some of the tastiest Mexican fare in the area for several years. A trusted South Richland hotspot, Tacos Super Uno took advantage of Uber’s promotion, and has been bringing the flavor directly to the customer in the midst of the pandemic. The street taco style is well suited for deliveries, as the food arrives hot and fresh every time.
Sushi Ichiban / Mizu Sushi — Kennewick
If it’s Japanese cuisine that you’ve a hankering for, there is no better option than Sushi Ichiban/ Mizu Sushi, which offers Uber Eats delivery from their location in the Columbia Center Mall. With a wide variety of rolls, stir-fry noodles, and katsu, it is hard to go wrong with anything on the menu here.
The Chicken Shack — Pasco
Fried Chicken is something of an art form–one that, until recently, has been absent from the Tri-City food scene. The Chicken Shack, one of the area’s newest regional chains, operates out of two locations. Luckily for the public, these locations have remained open for the loyal customers who order through Uber Eats. The Pasco location is equipped to send their delicious deep-fried (or grilled for the calorie-conscious consumer) chicken to almost any home in the area. Try the honey habanero sauce on the side and thank me later!
As the general public continues to stay on lockdown while we wait out the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to support local businesses that provide an invaluable service to the community. If you have a favorite local restaurant, it’s worth checking to see if they offer Uber Eats delivery. You’ll be able to enjoy a favorite meal you’ve been craving, while backing a local business which otherwise might have to close—a true win-win situation.