No mad rush for fast food in Chaguanas

As fast food outlets reopened on Monday after some of the covid19 restrictions were eased, not many people were seen satisfying their cravings in Chaguanas.

The popular doubles vendors such as Sauce, which has an outlet in Chaguanas, and D’ Original Fly Over doubles in Endeavour, said the turnout was not what was expected.

After the hype on social media over the weekend, they all thought there would have been a bigger turnout for the much-loved street food.

One vendor, who wished to remain anonymous, said they had been out since 6.30 am and intended to keep selling late into the afternoon.

“We think more people would come out in the afternoon so there will be a second shift to cater for that."

The vendor had made other changes too.

“People are obeying the precautionary health measures and we have also provided a sink so they can wash their hands,” he said.

He added they are only doing pick-up service and have not allowed anyone to eat on the spot.

Doubles lover Chesley Walters said he was happy he could get doubles again.

“I live in Edinburgh 500 and I really did not mind making the drive to get my doubles. I bought for the entire family.

“It is a great feeling to see the country coming back to normal. Plus, it makes getting a meal easier for essential workers who are tired from a hard day’s work in these times.”

A Sauce double sales representative, who also wished not to be named, said they opened at around 5.30 am and were sold out by 10 am.

She said, “It was not the usual amount we would supply, but we were pleased with the sales and how fast it finished.

“Most people pulled up with their vehicles, placed their orders and drove off. There were very few people who purchased on the spot to eat.”

At KFC in Endeavour, there were few people inside the outlet. When Newsday visited, there were five, who all wore masks and observed the physical distancing protocol.

Its manager, who did not give her name, said, “There were not much walk-in customers. The bulk of sales has been from deliveries and from the drive-through.

“There were about seven cars that were parked in line at the drive-through just waiting for us to open. We think it will pick up later in the week.”

Other fast food outlets in Chaguanas did not have many customers. Mario’s on the Chaguanas Main Road remained closed, while KFC and Church’s Chicken had a few people around lunchtime.

Very few roti shops were open, and gyro stalls were preparing to open for the afternoon.