Jim Barrett is the General Manager at McCormick & Schmick's in Reston Town Center. When COVID-19 and Governor Northam's Executive Order #53 put a stop to his dine-in customers, he reinvented the restaurant’s business model to grab & goes like other food venues. However, Barrett is also selling them grocery store-like items commonly found in his restaurant's menu offerings plus the ever-elusive roll of toilet paper, and he's doing so at comparable prices.
Pan-fried and cooked-at-home sea bass from McCormick & Schmick's Chefs Market
Barrett said, "Over the last week, I've opened it up and added about 30 items. And it really incorporated a little bit of everything to what guests have been asking me for when they can't seem to find them in the grocery store."
According to Reston Connection, "Called "McCormick & Schmick's Chefs Market," the April 18 shopping order form read like a walk through a well-stocked farmers market and more. Green beans, asparagus, goat cheese, butter, tomato juice, linguini, sourdough boule bread, chicken breast filet, tilapia, shrimp, sea bass, vanilla ice cream and yes, the toilet paper."
As per Reston Connection, "According to Barrett, many people were calling interested to learn more. "I've got two orders this morning from a couple I met walking by here yesterday. They had a friend come. So it's word of mouth right now and putting it on Facebook...I think we're creating an avenue for people who can't, or who won't go to the grocery store...There's no need for anybody to sign, or to touch, or to talk. We can put the order right out there on the table, or masked and gloved we will bring it out and put it in the trunk for you. You don't have to get out of your car. That's perfect,” said Barrett."
Maryam N. is a Senior Writer at Nesbitt Realty. She is an expert on Fairfax County. Maryam has also worked previously as a geologist. She is a foodie and enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants.
