PITTSBURGH —Thanksgiving looks a little bit different this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Shoppers at Waterworks Market District in Pittsburgh grabbed turkey, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie filling, but they also got items such as toilet paper and paper towels that are in high demand.Giant Eagle workers said last-minute holiday shoppers, combined with what they call “panic shoppers” because of the COVID-19 pandemic, could create an increase of shoppers in grocery stores.
But they said workers are strictly following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, have put safety measures in place such as plexiglass shields, and are using alternate vendors to keep what shoppers need on hand.
“Going into these busy winter months, we were prepared, and we have everything our guests need to feel safe and secure and stocked up in their homes,” Giant Eagle spokesperson Jannah Jablonowski said.
Many people said they are having smaller turkey dinners because they are celebrating with just their immediate family to stop the spread of coronavirus.
“We tried to plan ahead for that. We figured we would get a lot of those smaller sized frozen and fresh turkeys, stock up on those breasts and just make sure we have a lot of options across the store,” said Jablonowski.
Other shoppers are changing the menu altogether.
“Doing something a little different. We’re going to have London broil for Thanksgiving dinner,” shopper Harvey Adams said.
Some shoppers are buying prepared meals for minimal work in the kitchen.
Giant Eagle said that, along with sanitizing carts between uses, the store is also hiring more workers, especially with its curbside service picking up because of the pandemic.
HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — After months of construction and planning, Live! Casino Pittsburgh at Westmoreland Mall will open to the public today.That project has brought a lot of jobs to the area and opening in the middle of a pandemic is no easy feat.The casino will hold its grand opening on Tuesday morning, not too much longer before those doors open and people get to press their luck.
With the casino opening during the Coronavirus pandemic, safety measures will be in place.There will be mask requirements, temperature checks, physical distancing, and repeated cleaning of high-traffic areas, slot machines, and table games.
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Local charitable organizations across the Pittsburgh area will be providing Thanksgiving meals to thousands of residents in the next week while balancing the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
Beginning on Monday, Light of Life Rescue Mission will package over 1,800 Thanksgiving dinner boxes for families in need on the North Side.
After that, on Thanksgiving Day, Light of Life will provide 1,000 meals to those in need along with handing out winter hats, gloves, scarves, and hygiene kits.
Light of Life Director of Development Doug Smith ensures all events can take place safely during their busiest week of the year.
“Obviously, we’ve had to make a lot of changes all throughout the year,” Smith said. “We were prepared very early.”
Light of Life Rescue Mission has remained open throughout the pandemic. Their Thanksgiving outreach typically packs their Northside building.
Smith says that won’t be the case this year, but they still plan to serve as many people as needed.
Meals will either be delivered, served to-go, or inside a heated tent outside the building. Everyone, including volunteers, must have masks on and keep their distance.
In a devastating blow to Los Angeles’ struggling restaurant industry, L.A. County public health officials on Sunday announced they will suspend outdoor dining at restaurants amid a surge of new coronavirus cases.
Customers dine in the Hollywood Riviera area of Redondo Beach. L.A. County has suspend outdoor dining Sunday due to the rise in coronavirus cases. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
Few segments of the L.A. retail economy have been hit harder by the pandemic than the once-booming dining world, with many landmark names closing in recent months and many more on the brink. After they were forced to close indoor dining rooms in the spring, many eateries got a lifeline when officials allowed them to serve outdoors, often in patios and makeshift dining halls built in parking lots and streets.
The new rule takes effect at 10 p.m. Wednesday and restricts restaurants — along with breweries, wineries and bars — to takeout and delivery only for the first time since May. It will remain in place for at least three weeks, officials said.
Wineries and breweries can continue retail operations.
“The persistent high number of cases requires additional safety measures that limit mixing in settings where people are not wearing masks,” Barbara Ferrer, the L.A. County health director, said in a statement.
Officials had warned earlier in the week that the new rule would be imposed if the five-day average of new cases reached 4,000, or if hospitalizations topped 1,750 per day.
As coronavirus cases rise in Pittsburgh, many are looking towards an unusual Thanksgiving, following advisories to stay at home instead of partaking in large family gatherings. Make the holiday feel special this year despite the circumstances by ordering takeout and more from these city spots.
Bistro 19 711 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon. bistro19.com The Mt. Lebanon bistro is offering pre-ordered Thanksgiving meals to feed four people for pick-up on Wed., Nov. 25, which includes all the traditional fixings: turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and more. The meal runs for $140, with optional add-ons available.
Bitter Ends Garden & Luncheonette 4613 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield. tillthebitterends.com Grab some holiday essentials from this Bloomfield eatery. Pies, bread, and more are available for pre-order and pickup on Wed., Nov. 25.
Photo: Courtesy of Black Radish Kitchen
Thanksgiving at Black Radish
Black Radish Kitchen blackradishkitchen.com Chef Kate Romane and her team at Black Radish are offering family-style meals for the holiday. Choose from a turkey day “happy hour,” which includes small bites for six to eight people, full vegetarian and meat-eaters Thanksgiving meals, and “just the bird.” Prices range from $200 to $350, and meals are available on their website for pick-up and delivery (within the restaurant’s designated radius) on Wed., Nov. 25.
Butterjoint 200 North Craig St., Oakland. butterjoint.com Find turkey pot-pie, sides, and much more on Butterjoint’s online Thanksgiving menu. Pickup is on Tue., Nov. 23 and Wed., Nov. 25.
Chef’s Table 2193 Babcock Blvd., North Hills. chefstablepgh.com The Chef’s Table full Thanksgiving meal includes turkey, stuffing, and more, with pies available for an additional charge. The dinner runs for $135 and is available for pick up on Wed., Nov. 25. All orders need to be placed by Sat., Nov. 21.
DiAnoia’s Eatery 2549 Penn Ave., Strip District. dianoiaseatery.com Cookies and half-cheesecakes are available through the restaurant’s online shop. Pickup is on Wed., Nov. 25 and Thu., Nov. 26.
Photo: Jeff Swensen
Lamb shank from Khalil’s
Khalil’s 4757 Baum Blvd., Shadyside. khalilsrestaurant.com Go mediterranean with the Thanksgiving menu at Khalil’s. The $130 pre-order dinner — all orders need to be placed via phone by Fri., Nov. 20 — includes lamb shanks, Syrian-style stuffing, pumpkin baklava, and more. Some items are also available for a la carte purchasing.
Market St. Grocery 435 Market St., Downtown. marketstreetgrocery.com
Order Thanksgiving dinner for four, eight, or 12 people from the Downtown grocery. Packages include turkey and traditional sides, and run for $75-145. Wine from their wide selection of bottles, is available to add on. All orders must be placed by Sun., Nov. 22 and picked up Wed., Nov. 25.
Morcilla 3519 Butler St., Lawrenceville. morcillapittsburgh.com Meal kits for two, composed of a half-roasted chicken, a mix of sides, and an apple crisp, is available for pickup Wed., Nov. 25. Proceeds from each kit sold will benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank.
My Goodness (Market) 1104 South Braddock Ave., Regent Square. mygoodnesspgh.com The Regent Square market is offering Thanksgiving meals for pick-up and delivery on Wed., Nov. 25. The meal includes turkey and a choice of assorted sides and desserts.
Pane é Pronto 2627 Penn Ave., Strip District. paneepronto.com Find Thanksgiving for two, including porchetta gravy, cacio e pepe mashed potatoes, cauliflower casserole, and more on the eatery’s website. Breads and a mix of hot dishes are available as well. Pick-up is on Tue., Nov. 24 and Wed., Nov. 25.
Proper Brick Oven & Taproom 139 Seventh St., Downtown. properpittsburgh.com Pre-order Proper’s Thanksgiving menu for pick-up by Sat., Nov. 21. The meal, for either two or four people, includes turkey, pumpkin brulee cheesecake, butternut squash bisque, and more.
Senti Restaurant & Wine Bar 3473 Butler St., Lawrenceville. sentirestaurant.com Find a four-course Thanksgiving meal at Senti in Lawrenceville. Courses include a choice of soup or salad, pasta, a choice of entree — turkey, braised short ribs, or roasted squash — and a dessert.
Spirits & Tales 5130 Bigelow Blvd., Oakland. spiritsandtales.com Spirits & Tales’ traditional Thanksgiving set menu is available for takeout.
CP photo: Maggie Weaver
Stuffed Squash from Sprezzatura
Sprezzatura 112 East Sherman St., Millvale. sprezzaturapgh.com Find stuffed acorn squash, traditional sides, and more on Sprezzatura’s takeout Thanksgiving menu. All items are a la carte and available for pickup on Wed., Nov. 24.
Square Cafe 134 S. Highland Ave., East Liberty. square-cafe.com Though the East Liberty restaurant is closed on Thanksgiving, they are offering holiday catering. Find turkey, sides, and more on their menu. All orders must be placed 48 hours before pick-up and will be available for delivery and pickup Wed., Nov. 25.
Health experts are advising people to have smaller gatherings, which means less turkey being served.
With the demand for smaller turkeys expected to rise, more Pennsylvanians plan to ditch the pots and pans.
“This is a family tradition, something DeNunzio’s restaurants have done for many years,” said Anthony DeNunzio II.
The take-out meal is a Thanksgiving tradition for the Westmoreland County Italian staple.
“This is something our entire family is part of, in fact our owner Ron has been taking food from our kitchen and straight out to our customers’ vehicles and he has done this with his sons and every member of our family contributes to the cause on Thanksgiving,” DeNunzio said.
Since 1977, it’s meant preparing a traditional Thanksgiving menu for pick-up.
“Whether it’s someone who is a large family eating at home or someone just eating at home with a small group, we have the ability to provide that as well. Even individual meals too,” DeNunzio said.
DeNunzio’s is adjusting to the pandemic, as they have done all year, and they are anticipating smaller-sized orders.
“We are very thankful that we are still able to be open and provide for our customers, provide for our families, and provide for our friends,” DeNunzio said.
Many other Pittsburgh area restaurants are joining the Thanksgiving take-out train, including STATION in Bloomfield, Bob’s Diner in Carnegie and Bistro 19 in Mount Lebanon. They all say you should place your Thanksgiving order as soon as you can.
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Giant Eagle is looking to hire 600 people.
The company is looking to fill 600 permanent full and part-time jobs across their Pittsburgh-area Giant Eagle and Market District stores.
Socially-distant in-person hiring events at more than two dozen local locations will be held Nov. 9-13 from 1-6 p.m. People can meet with recruits and have the opportunity for same-day job offers. Masks will be required.
LONDON/ZURICH (Reuters) – Nestle’s Purina brand is launching a line of pet food using insects, as the world’s biggest food group tests more environmentally sustainable protein sources.
The move addresses a trend of people seeking more eco-friendly or allergen-free diets for their pets, and puts Nestle into potential competition with smaller brands like Yora and Green Petfood’s InsectDog.
“We see increasing demand for diversified sources of proteins for pet food products,” Bernard Meunier, head of Purina in Europe, told Reuters in an interview on Thursday.
In the early spring of 2020, the shortage of toilet paper and paper towels made headlines around the nation. For weeks on end, these necessary paper goods simply weren’t available on retail shelves and were even scarce online. On March 12th, the day after the World Health Organization finally declared COVID-19 an official pandemic, toilet paper sales soared 734% compared to sales on the same day one year prior.
Markets as disparate as San Diego, CA and Somerset, MA have seen recent upticks in shoppers buying paper towels and toilet paper in bulk, leaving store supplies low. At some locations, people have again begun lining up outside of stores awaiting opening times so they can stockpile these and other essential goods.
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – With restaurants and bars operating at a lower capacity because of the pandemic, not as much food and garbage is going into dumpsters. Without their usual food sources, pest control experts say the rodents are going into the suburbs to find food.
Pest control expert Dan Martin says 2020 has been busy for his pest control company, Budget Pest Control in Ross Township. He says people who live in the suburbs are calling him because they’re seeing rats and mice in their yards or basements, many for the first time
Orca Bay Foods is recalling more than 350 cases of Trader Joe’s brand Gluten Free Battered Halibut because the fish were packaged without listing milk or wheat as allergens.
California is telling people to gather with no more than three households present and that Thanksgiving dinner must be held outside.
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Many people in California have voiced their opinions on Governor Newsom’s Thanksgiving gathering guidelines, with many saying the state has gone too far.
The state is telling people to gather with no more than three households present and that Thanksgiving dinner must be held outside.
“The recommendations are right on the money for what we are looking for, for infection control,” said Erin Bromage, a professor of immunology and infectious diseases at the University of Massachusetts.
The hoarding began slowly in spring as forward-thinking shoppers snapped up masks and hand sanitizer. But once Americans realized the pandemic was serious, they emptied stores of just about everything, from toilet paper to canned soup.
With an alarming increase in COVID-19 cases this fall, panic buying could return as worries of a second lockdown spread. Retailers say they’re already seeing the signs and are hopeful they’ll be ready.
Two companies have issued recalls on their dried spices over fears that the products could contain salmonella, the FDA posted this month.
The first is Sauer Brands, Inc. which voluntarily recalled specific lot codes of more than two dozen spices by The Spice Hunter, including organic parsley, organic cinnamon, Madagascar cloves, gourmet sesame seeds, and more. This occurred because even after raw materials had tested negative for salmonella, the company’s supplier notified them of the presence of salmonella in some lots of organic parsley given to them.
Items involved in the recall were distributed in the following states: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. They were also sold online. You can see the full recall, including all spices and specific lot codes involved here.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf plans to visit Pittsburgh Thursday to announce additional support for the restaurant and bar industry amid the COVID
Wolf will be joined by state Reps. Dan Deasy, Ed Gainey and Jake Wheatley, as well as state Sen. Wayne Fontana, when he makes the announcement on Thursday afternoon
According to a news release, it’s expected the governor will discuss the challenges faced by the restaurant and bar industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic and that he and the lawmakers joining him will announce a new plan to provide support to the industry.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa (WJAC) — The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank announced that it will be hosting another food distribution event in Johnstown early next month.
The food drive will take place at the Galleria Mall, from noon to 2 p.m., on November 4th.
Organizers are recommending those who are planning to attend the food drive to register in advance.
Beware, dog owners: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced that it expan
Beware, dog owners: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced that it expanded a previously announced dog food recall over concerns the products contain a mold byproduct that is potentially above acceptable levels.
Sunshine Mills’ expanded recall comes after the company first announced the recall in September over concerns the products contained above-limit levels of aflatoxin, which the FDA said at the time is a “naturally occurring mold byproduct from the growth of Aspergillus flavus and can be harmful to pets if consumed in significant quantities.”
LAUGHLINTOWN, Pa. —Fire was reported at The Original Pie Shoppe on Route 30 in Laughlintown, Westmoreland County early Friday morning.The fire was reported shortly after 5:30 a.m. Friday
Sky 4 with Action Cam spotted crews on the roof of the building where some smoke was coming out.There were no initial reports of any injuries.The cause of the fire has not been determined.The Pie Shoppe posted on social media on Friday that they would still be open as usual.
Each family will receive boxes containing fresh milk, quality dairy products, premade frozen meals, frozen meats, dry goods, and fresh produce.The boxes will be loaded directly into the vehicles by the volunteers. Boxes will be given away on a first come first serve basis.
For more information about Jubilee Ministries International N.O.W Project, visit either www.jubileeministriesint.com or www.drmarkkauffman.org. For more information about The Christian Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania visit www.cccwp.us.
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Some good news for restaurants and their customers in Pennsylvania.
Governor Tom Wolf is allowing all restaurants to open to 50 percent capacity indoors. But that will help some restaurants more than others.
Local restaurants have been free to serve food and drink outdoors while following coronavirus safety regulations, but they have been limited indoors to just 25 percent of capacity. But that will change on Sept. 21.
“Step in the right direction, for sure,” Jeff Broadhurst, CEO and president of the Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, told KDKA money editor Jon Delano on Tuesday. “Great to hear that this morning. And I can tell you as an industry, we’re ready for it, and we’re prepared to serve people safely.”
Frito-Lay announced this week that it has issued the voluntary recall of Lay’s Barbecue flavored potato chips that may have also been included in variety packs.
The FDA found salmonella in shrimp imported by Kader Exports, causing a recall of various frozen shrimp products, including those sold under the house brands Costco, BJ’s Wholesale and Tops grocery chains.
PITTSBURGH, PA — McDonald’s is resuming its “Free Fries On Fry Day” for a limited time. The fast food chain announced it will be offering a free order of medium fries every Friday through June 28.
To get the free fries, customers must make a purchase of $1 or more through the McDonald’s app. You can get the free fries only once each Friday.
The fries can be picked up at a drive-thru window as McDonald’s dining room are closed because of the coronavirus outbreak.
New York (CNN Business)Okay, so if you’re a loyal reader of CNN Business (and we hope you are!) you might have seen a headline Tuesday that said “Prices are falling at an alarming rate.” Or a headline today that said producers’ prices fell by a record amount.
That probably feels … off to you. And for a good reason: Every time you go to the grocery store, that number at the end of the receipt keeps getting bigger.
Both things are true. Prices are falling across just about every category: Apparel, hotels, cars, car insurance, and airfare fell through the floor as people stayed home. Everyone knows gas prices are way cheaper.
But American grocery store price tags are soaring. Overall, the price of groceries grew 2.6%, including seasonal adjustments, in April. That was the biggest increase from one month to the next since 1974, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The restaurant industry, one of the biggest employers in the region, is now facing dire consequences.
KDKA’s Paul Martino reports many restaurant experts believe more than a third of area eateries may close for good. Experts he’s spoken with believe as many as 20, 30 of even 40 percent of area restaurants are closing for good.
The restaurant industry had been decimated by the pandemic. Restaurants that have been around for decades, like Alexander’s in Bloomfield, won’t survive the pandemic.
(Photo Credit: Alexander’s Italian Bistro)
Thousands of servers, bartenders, chefs and more once worked at Pittsburgh-area restaurants. But not anymore. Long time restaurant owners like Ron Sofranko say many of those jobs aren’t coming back.
The other hard reality is that folks may not feel safe to go out and dine for a long time.
One other restaurant trend to watch for: many of them may be filing for bankruptcy to hold off their creditors during the pandemic.
PITTSBURGH, PA – Giant Eagle is temporarily limiting ground meat and advertised meat product purchases due to increased customer demand for those items.
“In recent days, our supermarkets have experienced increased guest demand for products in our meat department,” the supermarket chain stated in a release. “To discourage bulk purchasing and ensure that we have product available for as many guests as possible, we are temporarily limiting the number of ground beef and advertised meat products guests can purchase at once. In a single transaction, guests are able to purchase two packages of ground beef and up to two of each meat item advertised in our weekly circular.”
Major meat producers such as Smithfield Foods, Tyson Foods and Cargill had to close plants in April after workers contracted the coronavirus. But Giant Eagle says it works with several different suppliers to provide customers with a wide variety of meat options and maintains consistent product availability.
After all restaurants and bars were ordered to close dining rooms to help stop the spread of COVID-19, Pittsburgh eateries have started to expand take-out services
52nd St. Market 601 52nd St., Lawrenceville The Lawrenceville market will remain open.
Alta Via 46 Fox Chapel Road, Fox Chapel altaviapgh.com Takeout is available.
A’Pizza Badamo 1106 Federal St., North Side; 656 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon apizzabadamo.com A’Pizza Badamo is open for takeout and delivery only.
Arnold’s Tea 502 E. Ohio St., North Side arnoldsteapittsburgh.com Take out and delivery are available.
Back to the Foodture 378 Broadway Blvd., Pitcarin Back to the Foodture is offering takeout. Check out their wing happy hour!
Bae Bae’s Kitchen 951 Liberty Ave., Downtown baebaes.kitchen Bae Bae’s is moving to takeout through phone, GrubHub, and Uber Eats.
Bar Botanico 4325 Butler St., Lawrenceville barbotanico.com Takeout is available.
Bar Louie
330 North Shore Drive, North Side barlouie.alohaorderonline.com Pickup and delivery options available Bartram House Bakery Multiple locations bartramhousebakery.com All locations have takeout available.
Benny Fierro’s 1906 E. Carson St., South Side bennysva.com Grab a slice of pizza for carry out only.
