As I write this, I can barely believe that it’s almost the end of July. I, like many of us, have been living in a whirlwind since mid-March. Alternating between the reality that our world is forever changed, and the simple state of business survival. I’m one of the lucky ones. I have a sustainable business model that can pivot to what is now required, but I’m not going to lie to you, some days are rough. I am trying to be a good leader for my, roughly 40 employees, but I see their fears and I have my own…

Fear of the unknown. Fear of getting sick or getting someone else sick. Fear of our families getting sick. Fear about the future.

I also have witnessed my fellow restaurateurs and chefs experience loss. Loss of their life-long passions, being shutdown overnight and then not being able to re-open. I listened to stories of friends doing reasonably well and now getting their groceries from the Atlanta Food Bank. I have also known people that have gotten very sick from this virus. Two that passed away and one that was on a ventilator for 12 days. It’s not how I imagined 2020.

I do want to share that this has also been an incredible time of hope and inspiration in my industry and my community. As soon as restaurants and businesses started closing and having to lay off employees, the Atlanta restaurant community jumped into action. They offered free meals to those in need, often on their own dime or from asking their regulars to help out. Wonderful members of the Atlanta community ordered food from local restaurants to feed our overworked healthcare and frontline workers. It was pretty beautiful to watch. In fact, we’re doing another one of our Souper Market/Drive Thrus on 7/25, if you or anyone you know needs a bag of fresh food.

I don’t have any incredible words of advice or inspiration today, just my experience. I really want to say, thank you. Thank you for your continued support of Souper Jenny in these intense and challenging times. We are all doing our best, and I truly believe we will get through this together...eventually.

If you have any requests or comments, feel free to reach out.

—Jenny

Oh…and wear a mask!