Duluth's OMC Smokehouse adds grocery option

Duluth's OMC Smokehouse is adding a grocery option and more takeout items to meet customer needs during the coronavirus pandemic.

Starting Wednesday, the restaurant will offer grab-and-go OMC food items as well as grocery store products like paper goods, gloves, snacks, dry goods and local produce. Eventually more grocery items will be added. The "restomart" will operate out of Corktown Deli and Brews' space across the street at 1906 W. Superior St.

The new service comes as Corktown, OMC and Duluth Grill — all restaurants owned by Tom Hanson — began offering curbside service .

The Corktown Deli and Brews ft. OMC Express will be open 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays.

"We're just trying to help keep people fed," said Emma Hirsch, communication manager for the restaurants.

OMC had success serving takeout items before the virus, when it sold eggs, beef and bacon to go, Hirsch said.

If OMC Express is well-received, the service may continue beyond the pandemic.

"We're just trying to be there for our community, if they aren't able to make it out to a big grocery store and they just want a few things," Hirsch said.

1/3: Employees bring in and organize groceries at Corktown Deli Tuesday to prepare for the opening of its "restomart." (Tyler Schank / tschank@duluthnews.com)

2/3: The Corktown Deli and Brews ft. OMC Express will have a variety of goods available including paper products, gloves, and local produce. (Tyler Schank / tschank@duluthnews.com)

3/3: The team placed blue tape 6 to 7 feet apart in hopes that customers will follow social distancing guidelines when the Corktown Deli and Brews ft. OMC Express opens Wednesday, April 22 for business. (Tyler Schank / tschank@duluthnews.com)