MINT HILL, NC – In the midst of a pandemic that is challenging all restaurant owners to modify their business models drastically, Wayback Burgers’ Mint Hill location is focused on more than just survival.
Every Tuesday, Wayback Burgers is donating lunch to a different group of frontline workers. Over the past five weeks, they have brought a variety of burgers and sides to the Mint Hill Fire Department, Mint Hill Police Department, Novant Health GoHealth Urgent Care Mint Hill, and Mint Hill Pharmacy.
“We are doing this to say thank you from our family to all frontline employees and first responders,” says owner Anna White. “They risk their lives to keep us safe every day.”
On Tuesday, April 28, White delivered twenty meals to Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center’s Emergency Room. The nurses who accepted their donation at reception were surprised, grateful and happy, and promised White to distribute the meals to ER staff.
To say it’s a difficult and uncertain time right now for restaurants is an understatement. “COVID-19 affected so many around us, it is devastating,” says White, who estimates they lost around 40% of their business when the pandemic first hit.
Despite such a drastic reduction in profits, White is committed to continuing to provide for her employees. “When it all started, we were very scared,” she remembers. “My husband and I talked about what will come next and what we will do. One thing we knew for sure is that we had to take care of our people, our Wayback family, who stands with us through it all. Without them, we are nothing. We love and care for every single one of them. We decided no matter what we will not lay off our employees and will provide for them as long as we can.”
Wayback Burgers has adjusted to what White calls “an uncertain normal” as best they can. “We have social distancing marked on our floors, we sanitize everything all day long, washing hands after absolutely everything, sealing our to go bags, providing sneeze guards to protect our employees and customers,” says White. “We added delivery services as well as curbside service.”
Community involvement was high on the list of reasons that White chose to invest in Wayback Burgers. As they geared up to open just over a year ago, White looked forward to all the ways the business would enable her to get involved in the Mint Hill community, where she and her family of five have made their home since 2005.
“We believe that being involved in community and helping others is the only way to live,” says White. “We believe in giving. We help community as much as we can, one Tuesday after another. Seeing smiles on the frontline workers’ faces is more than we can ask for. It’s all about supporting each other in these difficult times.”
“We are thankful for our Wayback family and Mint Hill community support!” continues White. “It has been very stressful, but I truly believe when it rains, the sun will always come back out.”
Wayback Burgers offers online ordering through their website and app, curbside pickup, and delivery. Follow them on social media for up-to-date news and specials.