In February 2019, Fito García, BS ’17, opened Inca Social with the hope that the restaurant would be a spot for the community to gather with friends and good food. The venue pairs craft beers with classic Peruvian food with a modern twist, serving dishes like aji de gallina, Peruvian fried chicken, and their famous ceviche.
When Governor Ralph Northam announced that beginning Monday, March 23, 2020 at midnight, all bars and restaurants in Virginia would be closed for on-premises dining for the foreseeable future to limit the spread of COVID-19, it was unfortunate, but García said, “I feel like it was something that needed to be done for the community.” He decided to make the best of the moment and create new opportunities for Inca Social. With the dining room closed, the restaurant began offering new carry out and delivery options, like adding family-style meal kits to the menu. Patrons are also able to purchase fresh produce and other groceries from Inca Social in an effort to assist those in the community unable to visit grocery stores during this time.
For García, it was only the beginning of his business helping out the community. Inspired by other restaurants in the area, Inca Social began their COVID-19 Heroes Meal Program, which sends free meals to nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers at Inova Fairfax Hospital. Through this initiative, members of the community are able to purchase meals to donate to people serving on the frontlines, mostly to those working in the critical care unit. “It’s pretty awesome to see how the community is coming together and supporting the cause. That’s been really impactful,” said García.
It has been a team effort—local businesses have sponsored the program, and a local Girl Scout troop even chipped in homemade cards and cookies with their meal donation. Inca Social has been able to donate approximately 100 meals per week, and so far, more than 900 meals have been delivered to Inova Fairfax Hospital.
García and Inca Social are also finding other ways to bring the community together during this time. They are using social media to engage people through virtual cooking classes that show how to make some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes and cocktails. On May 2, a virtual party on Facebook Live was held to showcase all of the work local businesses have done to help out during the pandemic. It was an opportunity to raise money to fund meals for Inova workers and underprivileged families in the community because Inca Social is trying to help as many people as possible.
The party was also a chance to bring a little bit of music and fun for everyone stuck at home—a piece of brightness during these dark times. Said García: “The one thing I’ve always been taught is to stay positive and always look on the bright side no matter what. You have to find that light and focus on that.”
Written by Kristen Greiner, MFA '20