On Tuesday this week, Arcana Restaurant implemented pay-what-you-can takeout service with 100 percent of revenues going to its approximately 35 furloughed hourly staff members including those at sister restaurant Jungle. Some of these workers will apply for job-attached unemployment, others may just move on. A core team of seven staff operate the service.
This reflects the deep impact the coronavirus is having on local small businesses, especially retail, restaurants and services who rely on daily cash flow to cover expenses.
We spoke with Arcana co-owner Elliott Toan about the program and the big challenges his and many Boulder small businesses now face.
The City of Boulder is currently evaluating tax and fee deferments or abatements for small business owners, and county, state and federal entities are working on programs, but no word yet on any relief.
Arcana’s offering food for pickup everyday from 4 to 7 p.m. You can see its menu here and order from 303.444.3885. BLDRfly has created a full list of Boulder small businesses open and offering food, drinks + services on a to-go, delivery or virtual basis. Access it below.
Header image: Arcana staff. Source: Arcana
Correction: This story has been updated to correct that 100 percent of Arcana’s pay-what-you-can service revenue goes to its furloughed hourly employees, not its core staff.
