Summerland Eats?

Message Machines On… & One, Lone To-Go

I called a few businesses in Summerland to speak with a human being but got a lot of recordings. Field + Fort has “temporarily closed until it’s safe for staff and community. We hope you all stay healthy,” notes their outgoing message. The brief message at the Nugget sounded: “We are closed until further notice, please keep your families safe and healthy.”

But I got a live person when I called Tinker’s Burgers! Tinker was cooking when I called and his helper Gray told me it’s been dead the past two days, but on Monday people were calling in orders and that they were the only place in town open for food.

They’ve taken precautionary measures and missives from the health department – all lids and condiments are kept in the back; tables are six feet apart and they are wearing gloves. In the event Tinker’s has to close seating they plan to offer “take out through a window.”

Despite a leaky roof, Tinker, who has been in business for 33 years, is working all the shifts with one helper and was in good spirits.

“We were always open – in fires, floods, and earthquakes! We don’t close for anybody – except the health department!”

Tinker’s daughter Megan owns the Red Kettle coffee shop next door and her pop noted that she’s still serving up cappuccinos and muffins.