Inglewood restaurant closes due to staff COVID-19 outbreak

By 2UrbanGirls

Contributing Writer

INGLEWOOD — The Serving Spoon sent out an SOS that they were close to permanently closing as a result of outdoor dining being banned under new stay-at-home orders by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The restaurant is a staple of the Inglewood community having been open for 37 years and is Black owned. Two weeks after receiving donations, the eatery posted that it is temporarily closed until Jan. 4.

Fearing their family business might not make it past the new year, Angela Johnson started an online fundraiser in hopes of raising enough money to pay the remaining staff and bills — including increased food supply bills and rent.

“In this situation now, it’s not pride of not asking, but it has been more so of knowing that there’s so many other people that are hurting,” J.C. said. “How do you reach out to ask from help from other people who are hurting?”

The Johnsons raised over $100,000 through GoFundMe and received a $50,000 donation from Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth and his wife Melissa.

On Dec. 19, the restaurant posted that it is temporarily closed due to an COVID-19 outbreak among the staff.

“We have three possible cases and two confirmed and we want to be responsible and safe,” said Johnson in a social media post. “We will be paying our staff during this time of quarantine.”

Residents thought it was a smart choice to make.

Thank you for the update regarding the information of The Serving Spoon,” said LaPriel Reed. “I’ve been purchasing meals from their establishment for many years I will continually do so once you reopen. Good luck and stay safe. A loyal customer.”

The city of Inglewood has recorded a total of 6,742 COVID-19 cases and 122 deaths. The Serving Spoon is the first Inglewood restaurant to shut down due to a staff outbreak.

2 Urban Girls is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers the Compton and Inglewood area. She can be reached at 2urbangirls@gmail.com.