With the coronavirus pandemic spreading rapidly through the US, many restaurants have had to close, do a form of drive thru/ pick up service, or limit occupancy to 25 percent. FWCD alumni that own restaurants are living the struggle first hand.

Lunch Box, Bonnell’s, Waters, Buffalo Brothers, Righteous Foods, Pulido’s Foods, Edohana Sushi, Pearl Snap Kolaches, Salsa Limon, 3 Parrots Tacos, Hibachi Teppanyaki & Sushi, Sake Hibachi Sushi & Bar, Patron’s Bar, Pak-a-Pocket, and Taco Oasis are all owned by alums or parents of alums. 

The restaurant near FWCD, Bonnell’s (owned by Chef Jon Bonnell ‘89 and Melinda Bonnell who also own Buffalo Bros and Waters), has had to drastically change how they approach daily life. 

“Currently, Bonnell’s Restaurant serves family dinners that serve four people on the curbside, as customers line up and come through the line,” Chef Bonnell said. 

Even with curbside pickup, Bonnell’s wants to provide extra safety to their staff and their customers by carefully planning how food is placed in cars and paid for by the buyers.

“Meals are being placed in back seats by employees with masks and gloves, while credit cards can be processed without any physical contact using portable wireless devices,” Bonnell said. 

Even with Texas allowing stores to open up to 25 percent occupancy, the Bonnells have only opened up the two Buffalo Bros locations. Waters and Bonnells are still doing curbside pickup instead of opening up the restaurant for dine-in service. Menus are posted on their Facebook pages each day, and long lines begin forming around 3:00 p.m. for the meals.

Hopefully the coronavirus pandemic will ease up and these FWCD alumni-owned restaurants can go back to regular business.