World-renowned chef Jose Andres announced he is closing all of his restaurants in the DC area in order to help those in need during this time of uncertainty.
Andres wrote via his Twitter account:
People of America...Important News: All my restaurants in DC area are closed until further notice. Here at @ThinkFoodGroup safety of employees & guests is too priority. Some restaurants will transform into Community Kitchens to offer to-go lunches for those who need a meal. These Community Kitchens will be part of @WCKitchen efforts across the country in the coming days & weeks. Not for enjoyment....but a service for people in need of a plate of food during this emergency. We are in an unprecedented emergency...and as painful as it is, ALL restaurants, bars, etc. must be closed across America if we are to avoid what’s happening in other countries. This is the only way. In this moment, loving each other means staying away from each other. This is about We The People. Each of us has a responsibility to act for others, not just ourselves. We are all together in this fight...and we will win.
According to NBC Washington, Andres added, "The community kitchens will operate out of the restaurants’ side doors with a limited number of volunteers from 12 – 5 pm daily beginning Tuesday, March 17, offering only takeout service. All restaurant employees will be provided with paid leave and current health benefits for at least the first two weeks."
The restaurants that will transform into Community Kitchens are American Eats Tavern in Georgetown, Jaleo in Bethesda, Crystal City and Penn Quarter, Oyamel in Penn Quarter, and Zaytinya in Penn Quarter.
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