Burgers, fries, and... toilet paper? Restaurants in Nebraska offer new services

Restaurants across the state are allowed to sell groceries and other products to help with economic fall out during the pandemic.

April 15, 2020Updated: April 15, 2020
News Channel NebraskaBy News Channel Nebraska

GRAND ISLAND - Nebraskans are getting pretty used to ordering food online or over the phone, picking it up and taking it home to eat in a safe, isolated environment. This routine will soon be changing, as restaurants received the green light to start selling groceries and… toilet paper.

The idea was introduced by state officials this week, and may take some time for customers and workers to get used too it.

Nolan, who works at Subway in Grand Island, says, “I just don’t think it would work well. People come here to get a sandwich. I Think it would throw them off a little bit offering toilet paper.”

As a consumer, Nolan actually likes the idea, saying he wishes he could always get toilet paper along with his orders at other restaurants.

“You know, like Taco Bell. Get one of the fire tacos, with diablo sauce… yeah [having toilet paper] would definitely help.”

Other restaurants are better known for their home cooked meals, and they’re using the new opportunities to become a one stop shop.

General Manager of Perkins in Grand Island, Rod Rader, says, “We just started Perkins Market Place. You come in and buy our steaks our burgers, our bacon… and we are doing toilet paper and paper towels.”

The new setup gives consumers a chance to limit the number of stops they need to make, which helps limit potential exposure. Overall, the program is designed to benefit the entire community.

Zoe Olson, with the Nebraska Restaurant Association, said when she introduced the idea that it is for consumers to get what they need, while giving relief to grocery workers, and bringing products and workers back to the restaurants.

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