CARP – The Juke Joint Soul Food Kitchen wants to give back to a community that has supported them through the challenging times of running a food service business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s no secret the pandemic and associated mandatory business closures and COVID-19 regulations have been extremely challenging for West Carleton restaurants.

The Juke Joint is one of those restaurants challenged by the pandemic. Maybe more-so than others. The restaurant has had to adapt several times during the pandemic. Originally the restaurant was also a live music venue. When the pandemic hit, the music stopped. Live music was no longer allowed. The restaurant, due in part to its scratch-made and unique menu, did not do take-out. Owners Corrie Greenberg and Sandra Weyand pivoted to provide that service to sustain a revenue stream while dine-in was no longer allowed.

Late in summer restaurants were allowed to re-open to dine-in, but stricter rules in fall, and the cold weather closing the patio season, the restaurant pivoted again and made the tough decision to voluntarily close to dine-in service again last October. Part of the problem was, with the restaurants small indoor space, following the Ottawa Public Health guidelines, social distancing didn’t allow for the restaurant to host enough diners to be profitable.

But the owners are thankful to the community and want to give back, while also supporting many of Carp’s other businesses.

“We have been so appreciative of all of your support over the last few months that we really wanted to think of a way give back to our community and neighbours,” Greenberg released in a statement yesterday (Nov. 24). “For the month of December, we are so excited to spread some Holiday Cheer with 18 days of Carp Village Giveaways.”

Starting Dec. 1 right up to Christmas Eve, everyone who orders take-out or delivery from the Juke Joint will be automatically entered in to a draw to win a prize from one of Carp’s other amazing businesses. There is a new draw, and a new prize every day (consult the photo for details).