Business in Brief: Meet I’m Eddie Cano’s delivery robots

by Will Fowler

Meet I’m Eddie Cano’s robot delivery crew

Italian restaurant I’m Eddie Cano (5014 Connecticut Avenue) has begun using robots for meal delivery to homes in the neighborhood. Using an app, customers can place an order to be delivered by a cooler on wheels.

“Customers are so excited about it,” said I’m Eddie Cano owner Carolyn Papetti. “Particularly those with kids. There’s so many school kids sitting home right now, mine included, with not a lot to entertain them. The kids love it and it gives them something to look forward to.”

The robots are provided by a company called Starship Robots, which also delivers for Broad Branch Market. Deliveries were initially limited to Monday-Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m., but have now been extended to 8 p.m. The robots’ delivery range has also expanded (download the iOS or Android app to see if the robots will stop at your address).

And I’m Eddie Cano has expanded its hours and menu. The restaurant is offering lunch from noon to 3 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday, for pickup – or robot delivery.

Cleveland Park farmer’s market resumes

The Cleveland Park farmer’s market opened for the season on schedule in late April despite the Covid-19 pandemic, but is requiring masks and encouraging social distancing. The market, held Saturdays in front of the Uptown Theater, has a single point of entry near Byblos Deli. It is restricting the number of people who can come through the market at one time.

Some of the market’s vendors are welcoming preorders. Last week’s vendors were Garners Produce, Cold Country Salmon, Ancient Foods, Cheese Goatees, Cracked Eggery, Via Volcan Coffee, and Kuhn Orchards.

The DC government is encouraging farmer’s markets to continue during the outbreak, with certain restrictions, due to their “crucial role in providing fresh food to District residents.” However, the markets are required to apply for a special COVID-19 waiver to operate. For a full list of open and approved farmer’s markets, check the DC government website.

National Cathedral Flower Mart moves online

The All Hallows Guild Flower Mart, the annual benefit for the grounds and gardens at the National Cathedral, went on as scheduled on the first Friday and Saturday in May. But not in a way that the organizers of the first market and fundraiser would have recognized. Traditionally held on the grounds of the National Cathedral, shoppers this time could order online from participating vendors and get their items delivered via contactless drop-off. Larger vendors gave 20 percent of proceeds to the All Hallows Guild.

“Virtual Flower Mart exceeded our expectations in every way,” said Tricia Karppi, Flower Mart chair. “Our corporate and individual sponsor donations and gift vendors appreciated receiving the publicity.”

Karppi credited the volunteers who worked on the project with its success. While nothing is certain yet, she said that she hopes next year’s Flower Mart will be held physically at the cathedral as it had been since 1939.

Circle Yoga offers Zoom classes

Circle Yoga (5615 39th Street NW) is offering nearly 70 online classes per week. The classes cover yoga, mindfulness and meditation, Pilates and fitness and are meant for “all skill levels and abilities,” according to Circle Yoga’s website. There are options for all ages, including kids, teens and families. Registered students have access to a library of recorded classes. The studio is even offering more extensive workshops and training, including a three-day, 14-hour workshop on helping trauma survivors heal.

Medium Rare delivers free meals to moms

This year, many mothers found themselves alone on Mother’s Day. Medium Rare’s Cleveland Park, Bethesda and Arlington locations delivered free brunches to all mothers over 70 who were alone for the holiday, according to Washingtonian. The deliveries included French toast, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, a rose and a scratch-off lottery ticket. The Mother’s Day deliveries are just the latest in charitable projects by the restaurants, which have delivered more than 7,000 meals to area seniors and first responders during the Covid-19 lockdown.