Famed chef Jose Andrés, whose World Central Kitchen charity has become a big factor in feeding disaster victims, has closed his eleven Washington-area restaurants to operate them as community kitchens to provide meals during the virus crisis.
All reservations were canceled starting Sunday. Regular staff will receive their regular pay and benefits during the closing period, Andrés said, but the kitchens will be staffed by volunteers from the staff and possibly some others. The meals will be distributed on a ‘to-go’ basis at the side doors of the restaurants.
In a tweet announcing the plan, he said “People of America…Important News: All my restaurants in DC area are closed until further notice. Here at @ThinkFoodGroup safety of employees & guests is too priority. Some restaurants will transform into Community Kitchens to offer to-go lunches for those who need a meal.”
Photo: Jose Andrés cooking for World Central Kitchen in Puerto Rico relief effort after Hurricane Maria.
