These Springfield spots adapted their offerings amid COVID-19
It’s said that necessity is the mother of invention, and this summer, Missouri’s food and drink industries proved the old adage true. As bars and restaurants across the region were forced to rethink their operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many responded swiftly, in downright creative ways.
These innovations kept us connected to the local food scene for the past few months, and we hope they stick around for good.
Aviary Cafe: Grill Packs
Although Aviary Cafe temporarily closed for regular service in late March, it kept its pantry open, selling crates of dairy products, baking essentials and more to loyal, hungry customers. Then, in April, the casual café stepped things up a notch: It began promoting grill packs, which feature regionally sourced protein and a KUDU Grill to cook it on. “The grill packs became very popular, mostly because [of] the grill itself … It’s so much fun to cook on,” says general manager Brandon Zacarias. The creation of the KUDU Open Fire Grill was inspired by the South African art of outdoor cooking. A traditional braai (rhymes with “cry”) – a social custom which loosely entails roasting meat over an open flame using wood or charcoal as fuel and eating it outside – and a Midwestern barbecue might seem like one and the same to a novice, but they are not synonymous. The KUDU Grill – made with the finest materials and an intricate design that allows you to smoke, sear, sauté, fry, boil and steam all at once – is manufactured in Springfield, Missouri, and gives users the opportunity to experience something similar to a braai. Aviary owners have partnered with the brand, which is one of the reasons their customers have been able to purchase the grill packs for $299 – approximately $300 less than retail price. “The proteins we offer are very good quality, and we wanted to offer them in a way that people could go home and cook them themselves,” says Zacarias. Throughout the state, especially in this area – and especially at this moment in time – residents are grilling and dining outside every chance they get, so Zacarias says the grill packs not only delight customers but also meet their needs. (Photo by Tessa Cooper)
Aviary Café & Creperie, 2144 E. Republic Road, Springfield, Missouri, 417.881.9736, aviarycafe.com
Coffee Ethic: Bottled Lattes
Suddenly burdened with the responsibility to safeguard her employees and customers while keeping her business afloat, Michelle Billionis, owner of The Coffee Ethic in Springfield, Missouri, found that the key to survival was only a bottle cap away, but she needed to act fast. Prior to the pandemic, Billionis had considered implementing an online ordering app and bottling the coffee shop’s draft lattes, but it was deemed too labor-intensive; during the pandemic, it became her most viable business idea – an attainable revenue stream that she couldn’t afford to ignore. In collaboration with David Soper, chief production officer of Mother’s Brewing Co., Billionis started bottling The Coffee Ethic’s signature cold-brew blend, Remedy, along with custom latte flavors such as the rich and chocolaty Orange Mocha Latte, the dairy-free Spiced Vanilla Oat Latte and the warming Chai Tea Latte. To get the new line of to-go products out the door and into customers’ hands, Billionis adopted a pickup window model at the shop in downtown Springfield and let joe, the mobile coffee ordering app, take some orders for her. She has also been delivering lattes and whole-bean coffee bags to fans in the area several times a week. The customer response has been overwhelmingly positive, and now that she’s uncapped The Coffee Ethic’s potential, Billionis says she’s prepared to continue bottling select drinks for as long as possible. (Photo by Tessa Cooper)
The Coffee Ethic, 124 Park Central Square, Springfield, Missouri, 417.866.6645, thecoffeeethic.com
Vino Cellars: Virtual Wine Tastings
When the Missouri stay-at-home order went into effect, Matt Bekebrede, owner of Vino Cellars – a wine lounge, restaurant and retail shop with a location in Springfield, Missouri, and one just north of Kimberling City, Missouri – immediately started thinking of ways to create buzz and revenue for his business. He sent out email blasts, offering discounted wine packs, delivery and a modern twist on the TV dinner, but what really excited people were his virtual wine tastings, the first of which he hosted with Bokisch Vineyards in Lodi, California. “It was phenomenal,” says Bekebrede. “People enjoyed being able to connect with the winemaker. When you’re a wine-drinker, it’s neat to see the love they put into [their craft].” How do the virtual tastings work? On the day of the tasting, participants pick up wine and food from Vino Cellars; that night, they learn about the selection as well as the participating vineyard or wine company via Zoom. The wine always differs, as do the pairings. Some tastings include a charcuterie board while others boast a three-course meal that can be heated up throughout the event. The virtual wine tastings have helped boost Vino Cellars’ bottom line, and Bekebrede plans to continue them. “They’ve been very successful,” he says. “They’re a good way to stay connected.” (Photo by Tessa Cooper)
Vino Cellars, 2137 W. Republic Road, Springfield, Missouri, 417.883.8466, vcellars.com
Ren Bishop
Ren Bishop is a faux Southern belle who loves Italian wine, French cheese and Ozarks comfort food.
Juliana Goodwin
Juliana Goodwin lives in Springfield, Mo., but loves to explore the Ozarks and write about it for Feast Magazine.
Claire Porter
Claire Porter is a writer and editor based in Springfield, Missouri. She is a nacho obsessive by day and a procrasti-baker by night.
As featured on
When COVID-19 hit, the food industry changed overnight. Those affected got creative.
