MUSKEGON, Mich. -- Longtime colleagues and friends Amy Hargrove and Julie Steffens are serving up award-winning dishes as they keep Tootsie’s Diner going through the coronavirus pandemic.
What is now a small diner with a 1950s theme, the eatery was born out of the idea of serving home cooked food, said Hargrove, co-owner of the diner.
Hargrove and Steffens originally met while working in another local restaurant that faced closure. They jokingly spoke about opening their own restaurant shortly before Steffens spotted an empty storefront for sale.
“We had talked about a mom and pop type diner with home cooked food and dishes that were kind of mismatched ... just good home cookin’ like your grandma’s kitchen,” said Hargrove. “What it turned out to be was just that kind of cooking but in a 1950s kind of diner theme.”
They have now been in business together since June 2012. Although they are “like oil and water,” the pair believes their differences work for them, especially as they lean on one another during this trying time.
“We talk about it every day that we’re still open and haven’t closed for business ... at the beginning we thought it would come to that,” said Hargrove about working during the pandemic.
The diner, with its bright theme and decor, is in a great location, said Steffens, with lots of support from the local businesses and residents.
Through their eight years in business together and especially during these difficult times, she said they have been appreciative of their devoted customer base.
They first closed their dining room and began offering curbside pickup in addition to delivery in mid-March. At that time, it was only the owners and Chef Tony Zant, operating the diner, located at 1125 W Hackley Ave.
“It’s a real struggle, said Hargrove. “I mean this industry is tough anyway but to have a pandemic and have to deal with all of the limitations it’s just been crazy.”
After receiving picnic tables from the city of Muskegon, diners could be served outside by the end of June.
The diner is now open for indoor dining since July, but due to the small size of the diner, only six parties may be served at once in addition to the four outdoor tables.
Although it is open for indoor service, the owners still see a lot of business for curbside and delivery. The staff will even go outside to take orders at customers’ cars if they haven’t called in advance.
“One thing we’re grateful for ... We’re probably at 50 percent what we usually make but we’ve been able to pay our employees, which is our top priority right now, and pay our bills and there is nothing leftover trust me,” said Steffens.
There are currently only four servers compared to the original nine. All employees must now be flexible in their responsibilities and “everybody helps everyone,” she said.
According to Hargrove, the servers and chef have been very helpful throughout this process. Although the adjustments have been tough, they’ve kept positive attitudes, she said.
The owners say they are appreciative of their family members who have stepped up to assist with service.
The diner needs servers and Hargrove and Steffens are actively looking to hire as they struggle to bring back former employees.
Due to the diner being short staffed, there have been several changes including removing specials from the menu. The diner also will no longer provide catering until there are enough servers to assist.
As they continue service during the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff has increased sanitizing and cleaning measures. This includes sanitizing menus, tables and chairs as well as the items on the tables such as salt and pepper shakers.
All employees wear masks and wash their hands frequently. They ask guests wear masks as well until they are seated.
Financially, the owners did not want to make the switch to paper products so they go the extra mile to properly clean utensils and dishes. Although it’s not as convenient, they wanted to keep things as normal as possible, said Hargrove.
“It definitely has just made a little more work but I think people feel more comfortable,” said Hargrove.
Amid all of the changes, the owners have shown appreciation for their staff by closing on Mondays. This will give them a bit of a break during the week, said Steffens.
Hargrove believes the added tables outside have been a positive change for the diner, as it provides additional space for customers.
Their new curbside service has also helped make their Friday fish fry rush easier to manage.
The pair intend to continue to focus on serving their homemade food and keep up with the warm tone they’ve set for the restaurant regardless of the changes.
While the owners are concerned with the potential consequences of not being able to resume full dining once the cold weather hits, they intend to keep going strong and hope for the best.
“Every day is a struggle but ... we have to be thankful for what we have and what we built prior to this pandemic ... and just do the best we can for (our customers) and hope they keep coming back,” said Hargrove.
Orders for delivery or curbside pickup may be made by calling Tootsie’s Diner at (231) 755-5005.
The diner is closed on Mondays but opened Tuesday through Thursday 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Checkout the menu online and visit their Facebook page for more information.
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https://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/2020/08/local-eats-tootsies-diner-serves-up-home-cooking-50s-style.html
2020-08-29 11:20:00Z
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