As restaurants in Iowa are limited to offering carry-out and delivery services through April, a Menlo restaurant has expanded its services outside of the kitchen and into residents’ homes.

The Menlo Cafe managed by Amy and Scott Hale and their family has expanded their normal hours from 6 a.m.-2 p.m. to now closing at 7 p.m., and they’re utilizing their currently empty dining room while reflecting the business’ past by bringing back the “Menlo Market.” Residents can stop in and purchase basic grocery items like milk, eggs, flour, yeast, and others depending on the day. The restaurant is also delivering orders within a 20 mile radius, and charging a $5 fee depending on the distance. Amy says it’s been a collaborative effort with the community to offer these services for those who don’t want to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, “We’re not out to make a whole lot of money off of this, we just want to help our community get through this. It’s tough and whether it be financial or emotional or whatever, if we can just provide a little extra assistance somewhere that’s what we want to do.”

The local grocery stores in Guthrie County have also changed their operations for the time being. Guthrie Center Hometown Foods is open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week, with curbside pickup available and Tuesday delivery in town. Deli items are carry-out only. Panora Hometown Foods is open from 7 a.m.-9 p.m., and is currently not serving lunches, but has sliced meat and cheeses, salads and sandwiches in their cold grab and go case, as well as rotisserie chickens available and eight piece chicken packs available in the evenings. Stuart Hometown Foods is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week.