GEORGETOWN, Ky. (LEX 18) — While many restaurants remain open, the restrictions for social distancing are affecting service.
Curbside and delivery have emerged as the only options in Kentucky, which does mean new opportunities for some business owners.
Like many ideas, Brian Royalty's vision for a company began with a need. In this case, while sitting at work.
"We were wanting something to eat besides the standard cafeteria food, and wanted someone to bring it to us so we didn't have to pick it up ourselves," Royalty said.
With his wife, he created Kentucky Takeout. It's a food delivery service that operated similar to Door Dash and Grubhub, but it's based in Georgetown.
"When they call, they call me," Royalty said.
The business is already two years old and had established partnerships with two dozen Georgetown restaurants. But things changed three weeks ago when restaurants were forced to close their dining rooms to try to stop the spread of coronavirus.
"Restaurants now are having to do things far different than they've ever had to do before," Royalty explained.
Instead of eating out, families are dining at home. That's led to an increase in delivery orders.
"We've also brought on some drivers that have been displaced as a result of restaurants having to reduce their staff," Royalty noted.
Royalty says his drivers all sanitize their hands before, during, and after deliveries. They also consistently disinfect the carry-out bags. You can order food through the company's website or download the Kentucky Takeout app.
When you order, there's also an option where you have no contact with the delivery driver. They'll just leave the food right at your front door.
The increase in demand led Royalty expand the delivery service to Cynthiana faster than planned.
In Georgetown, drivers deliver food up to a 10 mile radius. In Cynthiana, the radius is five miles.
While business is increasing, he says he can't wait to see the dining rooms fill up again as we get through this time together.
