Settlers Bay adapts to coronavirus situation, offering curbside survive with delivery on the way

WASILLA — Settlers Bay Lodge is currently offering a “Special Shutdown” menu amid coronavirus closures across the community, offering curbside service with delivery just around the corner.

Like all the other remaining local restaurants trying to keep up with the bills, Settlers Bay is taking this ever-changing situation one day at a time.

“We’re just trying to make sure there’s a restaurant for our employees to come back to when it’s all over,” owner Joshua Broda said.

Settlers Bay was built in 1978. The special menu introduces an unanticipated milestone for the establishment, lunch. In all its history and all its owners, the lodge has never offered lunch. It’s always been a dinner place, according to Broda.

“Settlers Bay’s known for its dinner,” Broda said. “I’ll be damned if it closes under my leadership.”

At this point, Broda is doing everything he can to help the lodge survive this tough time period that’s hitting all walks of life. Similar businesses have had to shut their doors completely while others are braving new territory as well, offering services outside the norm.

“Support local, whether it’s us or other restaurants… If there’s anything we can do for something one else, let us know” Broda said. “We’re all in this together.”

Settlers Bay is offering meals from 12 to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Meals include new sandwiches like philly cheese steaks and French dips.

The menu is only a page long but covers a wide range of the bar and grill staples, from calamari and steak bite appetizers to high end steak cuts like filet mignon.

They also offer family meals at $100 which serves four. Family meals range from herb roasted barbeque chicken to pasta and meatballs.

Broda said they’ve had to lay off nearly 40 employees in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. He said that right now, they’re operating with three people in the building, including himself. He said this is the time of year they’d normally start hiring for summer positions.

“Tourism picks up after Mother’s Day… That’s going to be devastating for all of us,” Broda said.

Currently, people can order over the phone and pick up their meals. Soon, they will be able to have it delivered. So far, customers have been reporting a lot of positive feedback, according to Broda.

“Word’s getting around I guess,” Broda said.

For more information. Call 907-357-5678 or visit settlersbaylodge.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com,

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