Sid Moffat loads her electric bike with goods for delivery. In June, Moffat began offering a bike courier service geared toward neighbors who want to avoid running errands in public spaces during the pandemic.
E-bike delivery service begins in Haines
After COVID-19 eliminated her primary sources of income-working as a massage therapist and bike guide-Sid Moffat decided to start offering a bike courier service, running errands and making deliveries for people around Haines.
“It just seems to me like such a practical service, especially in light of the pandemic, to pick up groceries, go to the post office, for our vulnerable neighbors,” Moffat said. She began offering the service in June and uses her electric bike to make the deliveries.
Moffat said she could drive a car, but “I much prefer to ride my bike-it’s energy efficient and quiet and easy to park.”
Moffat charges $1 per mile for her deliveries with a five-mile minimum. She said right now, she’s primarily serving the area between the airport, Lutak and Letnikof, but she’s willing to make special trips out the highway to Klukwan and Mosquito Lake. A single battery charge lasts roughly 50 miles. Moffat said she can extend her range by carrying a second battery.
So far, business has been slow, but Moffat said she hopes it will grow into something more sustainable, with the ability to outlast the pandemic. She said she plans to reach out to restaurants about a coordinated delivery service.
Those interested in Moffat’s service can contact her at 808-895-0220 or [email protected].
New owners take over Alpenglow
Olen Larson and Anna Chetney bought the woodfired pizza restaurant Alpenglow from Cambria Goodwin last month.
Chetney’s family owns property in Haines and the two were visiting in March when COVID-19 concerns prompted states to shut down.
“We came up here mid march to get away from the Southern California madness,” Larson said. “We took the opportunity to come hang out here for a month or so. We met Cambria and found out she was selling the business. We said, ‘Why not with everything going on in the Lower 48. Let’s try something new. Let’s move up to Alaska.'”
They have maintained the menu and reduced the prices, Larson said. Chetney said they will maintain their takeout service for the time being and will open only once they know they can do so safely. They are currently open for takeout Wednesday through Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m.
Larson and Chetney said while it’s been difficult to take over a business during the pandemic because of food sourcing and delays, the takeout only service is helping them transition to being business owners.
“It’s been kind of an easy transition to get our feet on the ground,” Chetney said.
Orders can be placed at 766-3312.
New food truck offers locally inspired menu
Last week, Vija Pelekis began serving locally sourced ingredients for menu items such as falafels, baklava, fried salmon and halibut tacos, kebabs and more from her food truck Camino.
Pelekis will serve food from the Magpie Gallery Monday through Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and will offer brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon. She’ll be parked near the Port Chilkoot Distillery on Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday 5 to 8 p.m. She’ll also serve breakfast and lunch at the Farmers Market on Saturdays.