The Takeout
Haven Brothers – the oldest food truck in the United States – is still in business. Even the coronavirus pandemic hasn't stopped the workers. In fact, they are more dedicated than ever!
Coronavirus Hits Providence
The Takeout
While the streets of Providence, Rhode Island, remain extremely quiet during the COVID lockdown, Haven Bros. continues serving food downtown. In fact, they're probably the busiest spot around – the city's nightlife is dead, and no one wanders around the downtown area anymore. However, it would take a lot more than a pandemic to shut down the food truck, which has operated for a whopping 130 years!
Since launching in 1893, Haven Brothers has served delicious burgers, chicken fingers, and fried dough to the factory workers of Providence. Once upon a time, the truck even had a counter and stools inside, when the food truck became known as a late-night spot. "Once it hits 7 p.m. everything closes down, but that's where we come in," stated Saverio Giusti Jr., who took over the truck from his father, Saverio Sr. "There really aren't many places open past 10 p.m. [in Providence]."
If Haven Brothers looks familiar, you may have seen the episode of Man vs. Food where their Murder Burger made an appearance. "A burger good enough to kill for…. It's not so much a burger as it is an experience," said host Adam Richman. That's quite a recommendation!
While the pandemic has shut down much of the city, Haven Brothers has managed to find a silver lining...
Haven Brothers Remain Open
The Takeout
Of course, the pandemic closed down many places to eat. However, it did not squelch people's desire for restraint-quality food, Haven Bros. has seen an increase in sales. "We've always been known as a nightspot, and even now, people don't want to be stuck at home all night long, so they go out and they come to us," Saverio Jr. added. The food truck has even remained open until 3 a.m. on certain nights recently to get everyone fed.
It seems that during these times of struggle, people want to turn to the comfort of well-cooked American classics. For Saverio Jr., it's a reminder of why he does what he does, and why his father did so as well. "I probably get five to ten stories a day of customers saying they used to come here back in the day," Saverio Jr. recalled. "At first it got repetitive. You kind of take it for granted, you know? But then this pandemic hit, and I just missed all the old stories. These are the people who kept the business going."
Sources: The Takeout
