Darryl Woods, 55, said he recently put $400 on two in-house gift cards as a way to financially support the small businesses and help those on the front lines fighting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. He put $300 on a gift card at Taku Japanese Steak House, 4750 Roosevelt Blvd., and $100 on a card at Straight Shot Coffee Co., 6589 Terhune Drive.
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He put signs in the windows of the businesses encouraging other customers to add money to the in-house gift cards. The coffee shop card has more than $300, said owner Erin Krusee. The Taku card was down to less than $10, said owner Ella Huang.
If health care workers show their identification badges their meals or coffee are free, Woods said. Taku also is taking 10 percent off health care workers’ meals, he said.
Workers from Atrium Medical Center recently picked up $72 worth of food from Taku, Woods said.
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Taku was closed from March 16 to April 15 and is “doing OK” now with carry-out orders, Huang said. She said Woods was “very generous” to start the gift card idea.
He got the idea after reading about other restaurant gift card programs that assisted health care workers. But his idea, he said, is “way simpler” because money can be added to the gift card.
He hopes the financial support keeps the businesses open as they struggle during COVID-19.
Krusee, who has owned the coffee shop for eight years, said health care workers are “really excited and surprised” when they’re told their drinks are free.
Some health care workers, she said, still have paid for their orders. They have told Krusee they’re thankful to have jobs.
TELLING YOUR STORIES
We’re looking to profile people throughout our coverage area about how the coronavirus is impacting your daily life. If you’re interested in sharing your story about how you’re affected or adapting to the situation, call Journal-News reporter Rick McCrabb at 513-483-5216 or email rick.mccrabb@coxinc.com.
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