It’s no secret there is a shortage of grocery stores in the city, and during a pandemic access to healthy and affordable food is needed more than ever before. In a city where many businesses have shuttered their doors, Eastern Market has its arms wide open. From efficient and safe grab and go options at Beyond Juice to drive through grocery shopping at Eastern Market, you’re in good hands. Just down the street in Brush Park, Grey Ghost is serving up easy curb-side dinner solutions for the community.
A big part of the traditional Grey Ghost experience lies in hospitality, but the food and beverage industry is being severally impacted by COVID-19.
David Vermiglio, Co-Owner and CFO of Grey Ghost Detroit and Second Best has flipped his business model on its side in order to continue to serve his guests during the pandemic. In late March, the Grey Ghost team launched Ghost To-Go, a rotating weekly dinner menu served at home, available for contact-free curbside pick-up Thursday through Saturday. The menu is broken down into ‘Ready to Eat,’ ‘Ready to Heat,’ and ‘Ready to Cook’ which provides fresh and delicious options for every appetite.
Collaborating with local companies like Huddle and Detroit Cookie Co. and utilizing Eastern Market vendors like Fairway Packing Co. and Del Bene Produce is instrumental in weathering the storm.
“There’s a lot of unknowns currently in the hospitality industry, especially here in Detroit. What’s so great about the culinary community here is everyone has each other’s back.”
The Grey Ghost and Second Best team is like family and while this has been a challenging time, the team has been sharing drinks virtually and staying connected.
To help support the staff, click here to buy a ‘One Team, One Dream’ t-shirt and 100% of the proceeds will provide direct relief to the furloughed hospitality team during the temporary closure.
Lonni Thomas is no stranger to supporting the community in a big way.
Thomas is Market Manager and Community Program Coordinator at Eastern Market. Her team has completely reshaped what it means to shop at Eastern Market. They have removed the socializing elements and are focusing on the food and necessities needed during the crisis. In addition to the traditional Saturday Market, they are now offering Saturday Market Pre-Paid Food Boxes and a drive-thru market on Tuesdays from 9AM to 9PM.
“Eastern Market partnership knows how important it is for people to have access to healthy food during this crisis in a safe environment. We will continue to develop innovative ways to make sure the necessities are obtainable to all.”
The Ford Fund is also serving as a critical lifeline for Eastern Market’s vendors and small farmers through the support of fresh produce deliveries to Vista Maria, Alternative for Girls and Matrix! It also funds food boxes to selected senior homes. This emergency program provides much needed fruits and vegetables to those most vulnerable.
To support food access, food makers, and Eastern Market click here.
There is no shortage in fresh produce at Beyond Juice.
Amani Masada is on the font-line of feeding Detroiters healthy grab and go food options. Masada is a Franchise Opening Specialist at Beyond Juice and is currently serving up green smoothies and salad bowls at the Eastern Market store during the pandemic. This juice joint has implemented procedures to ensure the health and safety of its team members and guests with online orders, curbside pick-up, and complimentary vitamin C for every smoothie.
“My passion for a healthy world is what keeps me going to work every day! I really believe that food is medicine and providing a healthy option and quality source for proper nutrition is crucial during these times.”
Being a hub for nutritional support, it was important for Beyond Juice to provide safe options to the community by offering groceries and a variety of essential kits delivered right to you. Understanding the health crisis and those being directly impacted, Beyond Juice launched a Hero for Heroes campaign. Click here to purchase of a case of ‘I Need A Hero‘ Juice and Beyond Juice will donate another case to Frontline Heroes!
