Yesterday, I went for a short bicycle ride just after lunch to stretch a bit, and this handmade sign at the corner of Deltona Blvd. and Philatelic Drive caught my eye. I struck up a conversation with the owner, Jodi Parresol, of Turnpike’s Rest Stop and asked how business has been since the governor shut down the ability to have people dine in. She said that orders had slowed to about 25% of their normal business, and further noted that they have only been open for 6 months. Turnpike’s Rest Stop officially opened September 05th, 2019. “It’s just been rough trying to keep our employees employed” Jodi stated. But, they have not had to lay anyone off. She noted that a couple of employees made the determination themselves that they did not want to risk coming into work, they delayed a few new hires, but they were keeping their employees busy with take out and delivery orders. I asked how she has been advertising to the public that they were still open, and she noted the handmade sign her husband and co-owner had created when the situation first started and place by the roadside. The verbiage “Dine In” has since been scratched out, and she also said that they have a Facebook page and Instagram account that she keeps active.
“It’s just been rough trying to keep our employees employed”
While I was in the parking lot, a couple of families stopped in to place orders, one couple with kayaks atop of their SUV had just returned from Jenkins Creek where they had been out on the water. They went inside to place and order and then waited outside on the bench for it to be complete. Inside the restaurant, the chairs were stacked on top of the tables and in the kitchen, the head chef and general manager, Melissa (Jodi’s daughter) was hard at work filling tickets and pushing the orders out.
I didn’t stay very long, as I didn’t want to get in the way of Jodi and her staff feeding their customers. Plus, social distancing and all. But, as I pedaled off I was thankful that the community was supporting local businesses like Turnpike’s Rest Stop. It will take a community supporting each other to get through a time like this. If you are tired of cooking, Turn Pike’s Rest Stop is located at 3429 Deltona Blvd. in Spring Hill, Florida. Give them a call at (352) 701-2009 as they are open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. I can attest that they make one of the best Reuben Sandwiches I have ever eaten.
Support your local restaurants, as many are still open for take out and delivery. If you enjoy my content, please give it a “Like”, and I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below. Make it your absolute Intent to better today than you were yesterday. I hope you all have a blessed week. Peace.
