Sierra Arts Foundation Lends Gallery Space to Restaurant |
Local non-profit Sierra Arts Foundation and Wild River Grille have teamed up following COVID-19's economic downturn. The non-profit is lending its gallery space so the restaurant can serve more customers.
Curbside pick-up was an option on weekends for the restaurant throughout Nevada's shutdown of non-essential businesses. With Nevada two weeks into its Phase 1 reopening plan from Governor Steve Sisolak, Wild River Grill has been focusing on the safety of its employees and dine-in customers.
"Every staff member wears a face mask. Sanitizer stations are everywhere. You know, Extra cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces that are commonly touched. All the CDC AND Washoe County guidelines are in place." said the owner of Wild River Grille, Chuck Shapiro.
On top of that, Shapiro has take measures to make sure people are social distancing. There are markers on the ground and the restaurant is working at half capacity.
Within Phase 1 guidelines, Shapiro says business is better than he expected, but a partnership with Sierra Arts foundation will give the restaurant a chance to get back on its feet, after the restaurant had to utilize PPP loans.
The two have been working together for more than 10 years. Wild River Grille would use Sierra Arts Foundation's gallery for private parties even before the pandemic. In return, the restaurant donates food and money to the organization when needed.
The restaurants current temporary expansion will benefit struggling artists. Sierra Arts Foundation will receive 10 percent of proceeds for every table served in the gallery. The money will go to programs the foundation funds.
"One of the programs that Sierra Arts Foundation has put in place recently is an artist relief program," Shapiro said. "Artists are struggling because of COVID-19 and need a little assistance. They can apply for assistance through Sierra Arts Foundation for a little help."
To book you can contact Wild River Grille at (775) 284-7455. Shapiro is also encouraging its curbside pickup. Curbside pickup orders will be an extra 15 percent off.
