“Public safety is really going to be our brand” – Bethany Beach restaurateur getting used to new normal

BETHANY BEACH, Del. – A Delmarva restaurateur is reopening some locations and looking ahead to recovery. He says that even though he’s excited to start feeding his community again, the partial reopening comes with some challenges. “It’s a heavy responsibility with our businesses and public safety. You know, we have the best view in town. We are one of the largest restaurants in town, if not the largest,” said Alex Heidenberger.

Heideaway and Mango’s in Bethany Beach are navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with new and creative ideas and changes in operation. “The challenge is we’ve never done this before and my family’s been in the business for 41 years, and throughout that we’ve learned a lot but this is new for us,” said Heidenberger.

Heidenberger is a partner at more than a dozen different restaurants between Bethany Beach and Washington, D.C. He says that taking care of staff and planning to safely reopen some locations is a challenge. “Right now I’ve got all ten fingers in every hole I can possibly plug, and still leaking water. We’re just trying to slow it down as much as possible and buy some time,” said Heidenberger.

Heidenberger and his team are working to transform Mango’s and Heidaway into one, cohesive location where people can order takeout and get curbside pick up. Chef Norris Anthony Polk tells 47ABC that they’re working with farms in the area to provide healthy, locally sourced food. “I think it’s not only going to be a to go experience, but it’s just going to be an experience all in itself. People are actually going to be able to taste the local farms that we have around here. So, I think it’s gonna be fun for people to stop in and check it out,” said Polk.

When people come to pick up their food, Heidenberger says that staff will be wearing masks and gloves. Customers will also be asked to social distance. Chef Polk says that safety is key. “Obviously I would like people to be here and be able to enjoy the food inside the restaurant, but I know I’m just happy that people are able to enjoy the food whether it’s to go or not,” said Polk.

Heidenberger says he feels restaurant owners aren’t getting a lot of guidance on how they can operate safely. So, he’s committed to setting an example for his fellow business owners in Bethany Beach. “We really don’t know where the line is on a lot of things, and I think that just using good judgment and committing to public safety is really going to be our brand,” said Heidenberger.

Heidenberger says that he’s using government funding like the PPP grant to help keep his businesses afloat. He also says that he thinks there’s a lack of guidance on how to use that money. So, Heidenberger says he’s planning on saving that money to help take care of his employees and bills when the details of fully reopening become more certain.

Heideaway officially re-opened for takeout and curbside pick up at 3 o’clock Thursday. The restaurant is also offering fresh produce for sale.