Wednesday was the first full day following the Miami-Dade County order closing all on-site services for bars, restaurants, gyms, movie theaters and entertainment venues that seat more than eight people. The constant changes announced by Mayor Carlos Gimenez are impacting many people in the community.
"We have about 70 employees and it's very difficult," said Chef and Owner of Grateful Hospitality Richard Hales.
Chef Hales has been a restaurant owner for 11 years. He owns four restaurants in Miami and all of them are offering free delivery, including Blackbrick in Midtown.
"I wanted to make sure that we have the supplies we need for the next two weeks. We're being very optimistic that we're going to fill all of those [take-out] containers and I hope we do. We did also just buy a freezer just in case the worst thing in my life as a restaurateur and as a chef to close the restaurant," added Hales.
Coyo Taco in Wynwood also offering delivery and take-out services.
"We do have a build your own taco kit. So basically you can order your meat separate, tortillas separate, comes with your choice of flour or corn," said Marketing Director of Coyo Taco, Emily Barstow.
In Brickell, restaurants still open for take-out services after the shutdown of Brickell City Centre.
"It's heartbreaking to see the restaurants the way you see it right now. I've never been through anything like this, unless it's a hurricane but it's a different type of feel because you know that at the end you're going to get back. And you don't know what's going to happen here. So it's very frustrating," said Chef and Owner of Pubbelly Sushi.
Locals are just trying to figure out the new norm.
"I need the social experience, and that's going to be missing for a few months," said Miami local, Rolando.
The Miami-Dade County Mayor signed an emergency order Thursday, shutting down all non-essential retail and establishments. For a list, head to miami-dade.gov.
