March 23rd, 2020
Greetings from Carrboro,

So, here we are; one week into this new, um, adventure. I think I may be getting a taste of what the crew members felt aboard the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria once they lost sight of land. I’m sure that they clearly recognized that their boats were really, really small and that the sea was really, really big. And there was a sincere concern that the guy with the sextant didn’t know what the hell he was doing.

Christopher Columbus, I am not. Please. I get nervous on a stand-up paddle board. But in this ocean of uncertainty, I have plotted a course for Acme. The restaurant is now a full-fledged take-out business, seven nights a week: it will be for the foreseeable future. And, so far, so good. Thanks to all of you. Knowing that we’re not alone, in the past few days I’ve brought others into the fold, believing a flotilla beats a dinghy every time. That flotilla has a name: Carrboro United.

Carrboro United is a thrice weekly food hub – every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday – in the Cat’s Cradle parking lot in the middle of Carrboro. Through the website carrborounited.com anyone can buy pre-packaged meals from several different local restaurants as well as purchase local meat and locally farmed produce. It’s a singular partnership of businesses and the town to rally all of us together and lessen the profound economic impact of this pandemic. Carrboro United is strictly following all of the Covid-19 protocols – you never have to leave your car – with staff that you’ll probably recognize on site to load your purchase directly into the back of your car. So, so easy.

Communities around the country have reached out to follow our model. It’s clear that every neighborhood in America is struggling with this very unique calamity. The restaurant world is certainly reeling. And farmers that rely on other independent businesses are deeply concerned about what the spring and summer season will bring. The wild uncertainty that swirls around us can feel overwhelming. Despair is always paralyzing.

But one thing is clear; our single greatest strength is the strength of this community. And that the only way through this will be together. At Acme we’ve been completely awed at the incredible response from all of you. No question, night after night, your support has saved jobs. And the kind words, sincere smiles, and social distancing hugs from each of you who come by to pick up dinner means more than you’ll ever know. So let us know if there’s something that you’re craving for dinner. Within reason. Because, let me assure you Carrboro, we’re still cooking.

Well, that’s all the news from Carrboro. The staff at Acme look forward to serving you soon.

Cheers,
The Staff at Acme

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