Mom doesn't usually have to make dinner on Mother's Day. But what about this year--when most restaurants aren't seating diners due to Covid-19? Peoria restaurant owner Travis Mohlenbrink customarily looks to Mother's Day as his busiest day of the year. "For us, Mother's Day is even busier than Valentine's Day," said Mohlenbrink, whose Peoria restaurants include Thyme, Sugar and Cracked Pepper.
Without the opportunity to serve customers inside, restaurants are getting creative this Mother's Day.
"This year we're going to offer a brunch that people can come and pick up. For every meal we sell, we'll donate one to Children's Home in Peoria. We thought it was important to do something for the community this year," he said.
Mohlenbrink said orders will include a rose provided by La Fleur Floral Design in Washington and will be distributed from the Warehouse, 736 SW Washington St., next to Thyme.
Hugh Higgins, owner of the Hearth restaurant in Peoria Heights, is also trying something new.
"We are usually closed Sunday but this year is going to be different," he said. "I know that thousands of people go out to lunch (on Mother's Day) and they will not have the opportunity this time. Hearth is offering a brunch to go from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday," said Higgins.
Brunch orders for both restaurants need to be in by 5 p.m. Friday.
"Necessity births creativity and we're being as creative as we can during these difficult times," said Higgins, adding that Hearth would also provide a dinner service on Sunday night that could be picked up.
Lindsey McDannald, who owns the Village Florist in Metamora with her mother, decided she wanted to provide "a breakfast in bed experience" for area moms. She's partnering with another Metamora business, Tommy Moraga's Biscuits & Gravy Co., offering a choice of breakfast items with a bouquet of flowers that can be picked up from the Biscuits & Gravy location at 920 N. Niles St. in Metamora.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 outbreak hasn't slowed flower deliveries, said McDannald.
"We're doing no-contact deliveries where we leave orders at the door. It's been insanely busy," she said.
Molly Crusen Bishop is one Peoria mother who has already made plans for this Sunday.
"This year we are going to be grilling for Mother's Day at our home. We also plan to hike some trails in Cole Hollow in Chillicothe. I usually bring some flowers to my mom's grave in St. Mary's Cemetery in West Peoria," she said.
One thing that makes this Mother's Day different than those in the past is the size of the family gatherings, said Mohlenbrink.
"This year orders we've had are mostly for three or four people. In the past, we've had groups of eight, 10 or more," he said.
We’re living in unprecedented times when information changes by the minute. WCBU will continue to be here for you, keeping you up-to-date with the live, local and trusted news you need. Help ensure WCBU can continue with its in-depth and comprehensive COVID-19 coverage as the situation evolves by making a contribution.
Copyright 2021 WCBU. To see more, visit WCBU. 9(MDIwMjIxMDA0MDE0Mzk4NDIzNjA0OGQ5Yg001))
