COVID-19, Life Under Lockdown: The Hot Tomato

Crossing the Divide

In an effort to document the unique Zeitgeist of the COVID-19 pandemic, Crossing the Divide has created a limited video series, Life Under Lockdown, where we interview individuals, businesses and organizations impacted by a society in limbo while the battle against an insidious disease rages all around us. How has a life under lockdown altered our realities and how will it continue to shape human existence moving forward? To keep our podcast listeners occupied while we channel efforts toward this video endeavor, we are releasing the audio track from this video, recorded via Zoom and available in video format on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Our 6th and final installment of Life Under Lockdown, "Dining In: The Hot Tomato" looks at the effects of lockdown on the restaurant industry in a conversation with The Hot Tomato owners Jen Zeuner and Anne Keller. Since its inception 15 years ago, The Hot Tomato has elevated the funky vibe of Fruita, CO and transformed into an appetizing example of capitalism with a social conscience.
Jen and Anne share insight into the internal debate of how to restructure operations under a state of new normal; their decision to stick with a take-out model for the near future despite a statewide re-opening; and the unique opportunities presented by a chance to step back from the norm and re-evaluate priorities moving forward.