By Russ Tarby

Contributing Writer

With bars dark, the public library locked up and beauty shops shuttered, the village of Liverpool business district is quiet as a moonbeam these days.

That is until you get to 327 First St., where Nichols Supermarket buzzes like a busy beehive.

“I think the panic-buying is ebbing,” Nichols owner Mike Hennigan said on March 27. “I couldn’t believe how much fresh food some people were buying last week. They must have plenty of freezer space at home.”

Essentials well-stocked

Nevertheless, Hennigan said he has had no trouble keeping his store’s shelves well-stocked. “We haven’t run out of the essentials  — eggs, bread and milk  — although we have run out of toilet paper.”

Nichols’ inventory is largely locally sourced, which keeps Hennigan’s suppliers close by and consistent even during a crisis. But sometimes it’s the little things that sneak up on you. Nichols’ cashiers were running out of receipt tape, he said, and area egg suppliers short on cartons.

While this month’s buying frenzies reminded Central New Yorkers of pre-blizzard behavior, Hennigan said the situation with COVID-19 is different. “This is nationwide,” he observed. “People are feeling the pinch coast to coast.”

The veteran grocer credits his employees for keeping business smoothly here during the pandemic. “I really appreciate the people I work with,” he said, “and I appreciate our customers, too. They’ve been very patient and understanding.”

Just down the street, at the corner of Vine Street, Nichols Discount Liquor store  — managed by Colleen Campbell  — is also doing bang-up business seven days a week.

Plexiglass barriers due

In response to the pandemic, area Wegmans stores will soon install plexiglass shields between its cashiers and the customers with which they interact, said spokeswoman Evelyn Ingram last week. Cashiers will also wear protective face shields, she added.

Nichols Supermarket in Liverpool will install similar barriers to protect its frontline employees, Hennigan said.

Kinney Drugs announced that it will install these shields as well, according to a press release.

A rarity: The Retreat closed 

In a letter posted March 23 on Facebook, The Retreat  — Liverpool’s most popular restaurant and tavern  — announced that “for the first time in 48 years, we are closing our doors for an unknown amount of time.” Like many area eateries, The Retreat attempted to stay open by serving takeout orders only for the past two weeks. The message was “not a goodbye but hopefully a see you soon.”       

While The Retreat remains dark, the John Gormel family  — which owns The Retreat, The Cobblestone and The Barking Gull  — will use the time to improve their restaurants in anticipation of reopening. Meanwhile, the Gormels continue to book future parties and events at all three locations.

Takeout options

Several local restaurants remain open for takeout only.

Limp Lizard Barbecue, 201 First St., is open from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. “We changed our hours up a bit,” said co-owner Scott Schimpff. “We’re just doing what we can for our community. Pretty sure we are going ahead with the finishing touches on the rear deck so, when all this passes, we will have rear-deck dining as well.”

The Rio Grande Mexican restaurant at 510 Oswego St., is offering margaritas and beer to go with food purchases. Delivery to your door is available.

Hope Café Community Lounge remains open for takeout at 305 Vine St., inside the Village Mall. Delivery can be arranged via GrubHub or DoorDash.

Maggie’s Trackside Diner, 214 Oswego St., is open daily for takeout only from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Heid’s is doing takeout business at 305 Oswego St., and GrubHub delivery. As of March 22, Heid’s hours were limited to 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

Pizza Villa, at 409 Tulip St., offers free delivery on orders of $10 or more, or you can stop by for takeout of any amount.

JT’s Creamery and Café, at 514 Oswego St., is offering takeout or curbside delivery only via its Facebook page.

Original Italian Pizza, at 408 Oswego St., is still open for takeout or delivery.

Rocky’s Pub, at the old Ponderosa Plaza, 209 Oswego St., is open for takeout from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Santangelo’s Restaurant, at 673 Old Liverpool Road, serves takeout from 4 to 8 p.m.

Cafés closed

Both Café at 407, at 407 Tulip St., and Freedom of Espresso, at 401 First St. have closed until further notice.

“Unfortunately, staying open for to-go orders only isn’t sustainable for us right now,” said a note posted to the locked door of Café at 407.

Café at 407’s profits support Ophelia’s Place, which offers services for people struggling with eating disorders. To support the organization’s mission, visit opheliasplace.org/give.