MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee meal kit delivery startup has seen a 50 percent increase in business in the past six weeks since the coronavirus pandemic began.
Miltown Eats, a Milwaukee company that's just six months old, has been flooded with business as people stay in doors and order more delivery.
"[People] really don’t feel comfortable going into the grocery store. They kind of see that as a hot spot for germs," co-owner Yulia Koltun said.
Koltun started the business with Jonathan Marrone back in November. The two appreciated the convenience of meal kit delivery services, but wanted more locally sourced ingredients. That's how they came up with Miltown Eats.
No one could anticipate what would happen in the coming months. Now, Marrone and Koltun are one of the few businesses that can say they have seen growth during the coronavirus pandemic.
This is something they do not take lightly which is why they are giving back too.
In addition to donating $5 from every delivery to organizations tackling food hunger issues, "We’re giving 50 percent off to all healthcare workers," Koltun said.
They recognize they play an even more important role in people's lives as many stay home to avoid catching or spreading the coronavirus.
"Our delivery drivers are equipped with disinfectant wipes for their vehicles before they start their route. They use hand sanitizer between every delivery," Marrone said.
The two said they now offer extra add-on services like offering more meat since they know people aren't going to the grocery store as often.
Marrone said they also looked into delivering toilet paper, but it turned out it wasn't feasible.
