Local deli adapts to COVID-19 pandemic

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This article was published 04/05/2020 (2300 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As many businesses struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic, a local deli is seeing more demand for its services.

Mighty Meats and Deli at 5-4910 Roblin Blvd. is offering curbside pick-up for its bacon, smokies, bratwurst and other meat products. Store policies have also radically changed with only three people allowed in the business at a time.

Elisabeth Hund owns the store with her husband Andreas. They said business has been good, so they haven’t had to lay anyone off yet.

“In the food industry, people are buying more. We’re seeing new customers stop by to support local (businesses), we’ve got our regular customers, (the support) is greatly appreciated,” Hund said. “We had one (staff member) who (had to leave) because all the daycares were closed, but our other staff are all here.”

Hund said their business primarily relies on their brick-and-mortar location as they don’t have an online store set up. But once the pandemic hit and they could no longer have as many customers in their shop, the owners had to get creative.

For larger orders, customers can order by phoning the store, or through the store’s Facebook page. They can pay over the phone by credit card, then the Hunds will set up a pick-up date. Once customers arrive, their orders are placed in their trunks for contactless delivery.

Hund said many of their customers are seniors who might not have access to a computer. Mighty Meats & Deli helps them place orders over the phone. The store does not work with a delivery service like Skip The Dishes at this time.

Hund was born in Russia, immigrating to Canada in 2006. She met Andreas, a butcher and sausage-maker from Germany, a few years later and together they opened their deli in May 2016.

This upcoming May long weekend is their fourth anniversary.

Hund is really thankful for their customers’ support.

“Thank you to our customers. It’s amazing how they (continue) to support us. They accepted us into the community, it’s been very steady growth,” Hund said. “Honestly, I think (we) have the greatest customers in the city. We’re very happy.”

Hund added that initially, the transition to pick-up orders was not smooth, but they’ve found a groove now. She acknowledged that other businesses are struggling to get by, and encouraged residents to support local stores during the pandemic.

For more information, visit mightymeatsanddeli.com or call 204-691-9333.