Old Salem Museums & Gardens to Bake Bread for Second Harvest Food Bank

Posted on April 7, 2020 by Tim

During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Old Salem Museums & Gardens continues to look for opportunities to be helpful and support our community in these unprecedented times. The Old Salem Winkler Bakery Annex, which, on March 13, 2020, temporarily ceased operations due to COVID-19, is getting back to baking. Beginning Monday, April 6, Chad Smith, Head Pastry Chef, will bake approximately 50 loaves of bread per day, Monday through Friday, to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC.

“The health and wellness of our visitors and staff are our paramount concern during this crisis. But we continue to look for safe ways to make our resources useful during this ever-evolving situation,” said Frank Vagnone, President and CEO of Old Salem. “We are so glad that we can help those in need of food by using our already existing facilities and skills to bake bread.”

“Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC is deeply appreciative of the proactive and thoughtful ways in which the Old Salem community has stepped forward to support Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC and our local partner programs,” said Eric Aft, CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank. “From converting its gardens to Victory Gardens to help feed local families, to donating cases upon cases of fresh milk, to reopening its bakery to prepare fresh bread for partner programs of Second Harvest, Old Salem (staff and volunteers) are determined to help make the lives of local families who are struggling in the face of the COVID-19 public health threat, better. We welcome and appreciate their partnership in this important work.”

In addition to baking bread for Second Harvest Food Bank, Old Salem is transforming its garden plots for the 2020 growing seasons into “victory gardens” to grow food for those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Old Salem will partner with community groups and food banks who best serve this mission to ensure the food grown in Old Salem’s gardens is distributed to the people who need it.

West End Cafe Update

Posted on March 28, 2020 by Tim

From West End Café:

Good afternoon everyone!

By now you all must be aware of Mayor Allen Joines “Stay At Home Order” issued yesterday which takes effect Friday, March 27th at 5:00 pm. In consideration of this order, and out of concern for the health and safety of our staff and customers, West End Cafe will cease offering to go orders effective Friday, March 27th at 5:00 pm, or when we run out food, whichever comes first. We will reopen upon the expiration of this order on April 16th.

Although Mayor Joines’ order allows us to remain open for to-go orders by following the strict guidelines in the order, we feel that just because we can doesn’t mean we should. To remain open would seem to run contrary to the purpose and intent of the order and the need to “flatten the curve” of the spread of the COVID19 Virus. We do not make this decision lightly. We are ceasing operations out of an abundance of caution for our staff and our customers who have been so wonderful and loyal since the late Rob Shay opened the Cafe in 1980. Throughout this time, we have repeatedly asked ourselves “What would Rob do?” We have no doubt that Rob would put the health and safety of customers and staff first, and would close our doors until the order is lifted.

Upon the expiration of this order, West End Cafe will reopen and will be offering a BRAND NEW DINNER MENU and an updated wine list. We hope that you will all join us then to jump-start a new era of great food and service at West End Cafe. Until then, stay put, stay safe, wash your hands, and don’t forget about us, or the rest of the service and hospitality businesses that have been so adversely affected by this virus.

We would also like to express our immense gratitude for our patrons who have supported us during this trying time. Your warmth and generosity have given us a newfound faith in humanity. We simply cannot thank you enough, and we hope to see you all soon!

I have every reason to believe that when we reach the “other side” that we will have an even-better West End Café which is saying something because they are pretty awesome, to begin with. When I have info, I will pass it along!

Carrabba’s Feeds WSNC’s First Responders and WSFCS Employees

Posted on March 28, 2020 by Tim

Daniel Butner prepares to serve 130 cafeteria and bus drivers for WSFCS

Daniel Butner, the proprietario of the Winston-Salem Carrabba’s Italian Grill has, once again, shown his big heart and has prepared food for and fed the Winston-Salem Police Department’s Communications Division and Records Division, served five Winston-Salem Fire Department Stations, and has fed cafeteria workers and bus drivers that are continuing to serve food to those who are in need from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School system.

Daniel Butner is a man with much love for this community, and the residents and workers from this city and county are thankful to him, his staff and to Carrabba’s Italian Grill. When asked about these feats, he shrugs and says, “I’m only doing what everyone should strive to do. It’s just not everyone can. I can. And, I will.”

Here are some of the highlights from Carrabba’s and Daniel this week: