New Solvang restaurant opens amid coronavirus: ‘We have to feed our community’
SOLVANG, Calif. - At a time when a lot of businesses are closing their doors, a new restaurant opened Wednesday in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Peasants Feast is located at Copenhagen Drive and Atterdag Road in the heart of Solvang.
The owner says he and his wife have been trying to get their own restaurant for about three years, and they moved into the restaurant space at the end of February. He says they had 30 days to open once they took over the lease, and the coronavirus escalated just about two weeks into that 30-day period.
"We basically stopped everything. We halted all construction, all remodeling, took a little bit of a break and really analyzed what we were going to do. We talked to each other, talked to the landlord and decided, we have to move forward. We have to open. We have to feed our community. We have to be involved in our community, and we have to give the people what they want. They want food, and a lot of people are having a really hard time getting food, and we're here. We're here cooking for you," said Michael Cherney, Executive Chef and Owner of Peasants Feast.
The restaurant is offering curbside pick-up, and customers can order everything online.
"All ordering can be done online. You can pay online, order online. We have food, non-alcoholic beverages and beer and wine all available for purchase to-go. Curbside service, you can call as soon as you get here, and we can take your order out, drop it on the table, you pick up your order, bring it to your car, and that's it," said Cherney.
The menu, which is updated regularly, features seasonal, farm-driven comfort food, including gourmet grilled cheese, whole roasted chicken, and even ice cream sandwiches.
It's open Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cherney said there had been a good turnout for the restaurant's opening day as of Wednesday afternoon. He said they would continue to assess their plans as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds.
In the meantime, he had a simple message to customers. "Come to Peasants Feast!" said Cherney.
To check out the restaurant's menu or to place an order online, click here.
