SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Many San Diego business owners have to switch up their business models to stay afloat during this coronavirus pandemic.
A Mission Beach restaurant has found a way to stay in business while helping people give back to workers on the frontlines.
"We closed down for a couple of weeks," said Mikey Beats, co-owner of Single Fin Surf Grill. "I'd say those were two of the worst weeks of our lives."
As beaches sit empty, businesses like his are forced to close their doors or limit service.
"To-go orders were not cutting it," he explained. So, the restaurant team figured out a way to keep the business running and workers employed.
"We decided to switch gears and cater to frontline workers," said Beats. "We are fortunate enough to have had many people looking to donate and they didn't know exactly how to do it."
They launched the website SingleFinFeeds.com, giving people the opportunity to easily say "thank you" to essential workers with a healthy meal delivered straight to their jobs.
"The majority of our meals have been sent to hospitals, as well as San Diego Police Department," he said. "But we got to keep in mind essential workers are also our grocers who are out there on the frontlines, as well as our delivery people, we have had donations sent directly to those trades."
Those looking to donate can just click on the meal they want to purchase, choose the quantity, and pay. They can even leave a personalized note for the workers.
"We give a good variety of quality food," he said. "We've already done over 2,000 orders and we're very thankful for that."
The new business model has helped people give back to those working tirelessly, and it has helped keep employees employed.
"We have employees back, getting paid hourly," he said. "I just want to say San Diego thank you for donating to the frontline, thank you for helping our business stay afloat, we're so appreciative."
If you would like to order 20-100 meals to be delivered to a location of your choice, click here.
