GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- If you're looking to support local restaurants by ordering takeout but need to feed the whole family, you're in luck. Numerous restaurants, including Uccello's Ristorante, are offering family dinner options that can feed you and the kids.
When the governor's order came down letting restaurants know they wouldn't be allowed guests to dine in, Uccello's did something they'd never done before - delivery. This new venture allowed them to retain some of their staff members.
"Of course we wanted to ulitlize our team anywhere we could," Marketing Manager Kelsey Neuberger said. "We offered delivery driver positions to everybody on the team. A lot of them were super receptive and incredibly helpful. Teamwork was humongous in helping us transition in two what was a really uncertain time."
Offering delivery also meant the restaurant could offer all of the dishes on their menu instead of a pared-down to-go menu. And, if you want curbside or takeout, they offer that as well. There's even a makeshift drive-thru at the East Beltline location.
And if you're looking for a meal that can feed the whole family, and even get them involved in preparing it, there are some great options.
"We have build-your-own menu kits available which is a great way to get the family involved," Neuberger said. "It's an activity (for them) but you're also getting them a nice, delicious and fresh meal."
There are lasagna, pizza, and taco building kits available that can feed between six to eight people. But if you're in a hurry, the restaurant also offers take and bake pizza options along with some dishes like cheesy bread sticks or pepperoni pizza that are ready to go at any time.
Uccello's is a family restaurant that considers the communities they serve as extended family. So it was no surprise they were one of the first to feed people for free. Their Heart of Hospitality event catered towards anyone affected by the pandemic with a focus on those in the service and hospitality industries. During a week in March, the restaurant gave free food to over 2,500 vehicles.
"It was a fantastic way to bring the community together, Neuberger added. "It got our team motivated. We were also helping our own team as some of the people on our team were coming through to pick up a meal as well."
Don't forget, you can support local restaurants by getting takeout or delivery every Tuesday until West Michigan businesses are back up to full speed. Share photos of your food on social media using the hashtag: #TakeoutTuesday.
Do you run or work for a local business that is staying open and is in need of customers? Tell us about it. You can fill out a simple online form, so your business can be considered for a future “We’re Open West Michigan” story.