Photo courtesy of Global Vancouver

By Scott Roblin

Grocery Alternative

Earls launches grocery shopping program amid COVID-19 pandemic

Apr 1, 2020 | 5:09 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Grocery shopping can be a stressful outing during the COVID-19 global pandemic, with empty shelves and busy aisles sometimes causing headaches for shoppers.

A national restaurant chain is offering an alternative for customers however, as a way to keep their lights on and locals fed.

This week Earls Restaurants rolled out its ‘Earls Grocery’ program which allows consumers to order meal kits and individual grocery items by calling the restaurant chain.

Tyson Bachert, who owns and manages the Medicine Hat location, said Earls owners across Canada decided this week that it was the right step to make.

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“It’s providing people with different options,” said Bachert. “I think people are getting a little stir-crazy if you’re in your house for 14 days or more and you’re trying to self-isolate and practice social distancing. It’s just a unique way to kind of change it up a bit.”

Groceries through Earls have been split into a series of packs including produce, dairy and eggs, vegetarian, pantry, and protein.

In-restaurant service has been put on hold for restaurants across the province, which has forced local establishment like Earls to get creative in hopes of remaining open.

“On a Friday night we’re used to being very busy and now the chairs are up,” said Bachert. “I guess that’s the vision of Earls Grocery, how do we still connect with people that still might like those staple foods.”

Individual items such as flour, coffee, maple syrup are also available for purchase through the program, along with a handful of essential items like toilet paper and hand soap.

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the restaurant industry especially hard, as fewer cooks, waiters, and serving staff are needed with

“We had to layoff temporarily up to 60 employees, 60 local people,” said Bachert. “So, that’s not fun. But, we’re able to still maintain some jobs right now and for us to continue to work and do the deliveries and pick ups.”

Prices of the packs vary between $30 and $100 at the Medicine Hat location, however discounts will be considered for those suffering financial strain due to COVID-19.

“Especially with people having tighter budgets, it’s a bit of an unknown right now with people trying to get EI and people that are self-employed trying to figure out all that stuff as well,” said Bachert. “So, we definitely want to work within any budget and help people out in the community.”

Health care workers and first responders will be eligible to receive 30 percent off their orders, while 20 percent discounts are being offered for anyone picking up their order at the restaurant.