By Katherine Jones
Baltimore Watchdog Student Writer
Moo Rung, co-owner of Tsunami Ramen and Tapas, in downtown Frederick was grateful that his latest restaurant had a successful opening day. The new restaurant sold 200 bowls by the end of opening day, Rung said. What makes that number stand out is the fact that it was reached at the height of the COVID-19 shutdown.
“We didn’t expect that much on the first day. We were like ‘Oh my gosh. We have to make more and constantly make the broth, make more Chashu pork, more eggs,’” Rung said laughing. “People non-stop on the first day.”
Just one week prior to the ramen and tapas restaurant opening, Gov. Larry Hogan had announced restaurants and bars were given permission to open for operation, as long as social distancing guidelines were maintained and the food was served via carry-out or drive-thru.
It was at this point that Rung and his business partner, Pong Chan, had to decide whether or not to open their newest restaurant.
“Me and my partner, the chef, and a few staff, had the meeting,” Rung said. “We want to open now, or wait God knows, who knows, how long to wait and get it open.”
Every hour, the employees had to wash their hands, sanitize their workspace, and ensure physical distancing was met. These regulations remain today as restaurants in Frederick County can open at 50 percent capacity.
Susan Atkins, a takeout customer at Tsunami Ramen and Tapas, ordered carry-out with her best friend when the ramen restaurant first opened in April.
“I’d say it was pretty safe since she didn’t need to directly exchange anything with anyone there,” Atkins said. “Just look for her order and go.”
Rung appreciated the way in which the county and the state responded to the pandemic. However, he hoped there would be more access to resources for small businesses like his.
“It’s just really hard,” Rung said. “I travel to five, six different stores in one day just to find one sanitizer or disinfectant spray.”
The Downtown Frederick Partnership wanted to create a way for small business owners, like Rung, to easily access resources and information they may need during this time. In July, the Partnership launched the Small Business Resilience Series.
This series allowed small business owners in downtown Frederick to take part in educational seminars and small group sessions with fellow small business owners. They also have access to professional guidance and resources.
“It was a really tough time to be a small business owner,” said Leeann Crews, the Downtown Frederick Partnership’s marketing and media manager. “The partnership really wanted to create a very unifying kind of environment for our businesses so they didn’t feel so isolated during this time.”
Rung showcased a sense of gratefulness for a slow opening due to the pandemic. Rather than having customers inside dining right away, Rung and his employees gradually eased into the new business.
“It’s a good thing we opened at this time,” Rung said. “Slow start, so we can improve the flow in the kitchen, the food to come out, more time to talk to customers instead of sit down, wait, and do nothing.”