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Ellerbe, a farm-to-table Magnolia Avenue staple, now offers farmers market co-op boxes.
Ellerbe Fine Foods, like so many other restaurants in the Fort Worth community, has adapted its business model in response to the coronavirus pandemic. But, in addition to making the switch to curbside orders only, the restaurant is now offering farmers’ market co-op boxes.
The boxes are filled with eggs and whatever fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables are available on the day they are packaged. Offerings include tomatoes from Fambro Family Farms, kale from Demases Farm, and mixed lettuces from Shine’s Farmstand. There’s the option to add protein, bread, and/or milk to the package as well.
Ellerbe co-owner Richard King says that the decision to sell the boxes came after co-owner Molly McCook spoke with the local farmers that the restaurant buys its produce from.
“With businesses shutting down or only doing to-go orders, many farmers lost several of their restaurant accounts,” King says. “We just wanted them to have more of an opportunity to make money during this time.”
Ellerbe, a farm-to-table Magnolia Avenue staple, has joined the wave of restaurants that are making the switch to curbside pick-up and delivery. The curbside menu, which will change weekly, features southern comfort food and an extensive wine list.
“Whether you close the restaurant down or you switch to to-go orders only, your business will lose some amount of money no matter what,” King says.
By staying open, King hopes to ensure that the staff is financially supported and the community is well fed amidst the public health crisis.
“Fort Worth has such a supportive community,” he says. “It’s important for people to know that while the situation isn’t ideal, we will get through this. We might just have to be a little creative about how we do it.”
