By TIM KELLY
When the Ocean City Boardwalk reopened recently, one of the top questions heard around town was: “When can I get a slice of Manco & Manco pizza?”
Now would be a good time. Not only is Manco & Manco open and ready to serve up its iconic pizza and other food, it has a comprehensive safety plan in place.
“We’ve taken numerous precautions to protect our valued customers’ safety, and that of our staff,” said Chuck Bangle, a Manco & Manco co-owner.
Bangle said the flagship store at 9th and the Boardwalk is open for curbside pickup, sales by the slice at the counter, and delivery service by one of a team of 25 drivers, to the customer’s location. Social distancing is strictly observed as well.
“We’ve perfected the art of curbside pickup,” Bangle said, explaining the process: customers phone in their order, drive to the pickup area and wait for one of the yellow-vested, computer-carrying Manco & Manco team members to deliver the pizza to the customer’s vehicle.
The entire process takes between 15 or 20 minutes, and all food is sealed with a tamper-evident sticker prior to leaving any of the Manco & Manco locations.
“If you like ordering by the slice on the Boardwalk, you’ll be served by a team member wearing a mask and standing behind a Plexiglas barrier,” Bangle said.
Those opting for delivery may call 609-399-2548. Touchless, no-contact delivery is available by paying in advance with a credit card (gratuity can be included) and instructing where to drop off the order.
“Once the food goes into the box, the next person to touch it is the customer,” Bangle remarked.
Additional steps:
- All Manco & Manco servers wear masks
- Pie makers and food prep workers wear masks
- Employees are positioned within social distancing guidelines inside Manco & Manco locations
- Customers waiting in line are asked to maintain six feet of social distancing
Manco & Manco isn‘t alone in emphasizing safety. Surf Mall is another great example.
“This is our town, this is our community, these are our friends,” said Wes Kazmarck, whose family has owned the Surf Mall for approximately 40 years. “We want them to know we’re ready for them to shop in the safest manner possible.”
Kazmarck, who serves as president of the Boardwalk Merchants Association, advocated for a responsible reopening strategy for all of his business colleagues, as well as his own venerable Boardwalk landmark.
Surf Mall, at 1154 Boardwalk, the former Surf movie theatre, is one of the largest public retail spaces in Ocean City, allowing for natural social distancing.
All employees and people coming inside must wear masks, and if a customer forgets his or hers, Surf Mall will provide a free one.
There are protective barriers at every cash register and numerous hand sanitizer stations throughout the building, Kazmarck said.
“We want people to know they can come into town and safely enjoy their summer traditions. Ocean City is ready and the Surf Mall in particular is ready — 100 percent,” Kazmarck noted.
If you are a business owner with an “opening safely strategy” OCNJ Daily wants to help reach and educate customers on your efforts. Please contact Mike DeVlieger for details by e-mail: Mike@ocnjdaily.com or call him at 609-231-8987.
