COVID-19 has done nothing but bring bad news and bad situations, and just when things seem like they might start looking up, its detrimental impact on the economy starts catching up with America. Specifically, one of America's favorite restaurants - Sweet Tomatoes. This month, America's iconic salad bar restaurant (that was particularly well-known in Florida) announced it wouldn't be reopening once lockdown ends and restaurants are allowed to fully reopen.
The cheesiest part is really how sad I am about it, along with many other Americans. But it's because we grew up going to this restaurant, and it became a part of our lives. And the same can be said for a lot of businesses that have closed due to this pandemic.
Sweet Tomatoes used to be my favorite place for my cousin and I to go when she came to visit me, and we shared many laughs walking through the salad bar line. I went here more times than I can count with my family, always excited for what new and fun foods they were going to have when I was a kid. Everyone who went there at least semi-regularly knew the few waiters, and we always admired their constant smiles and cheery attitudes. It really was a good vibes restaurant, but now, it's gone. Within the blink of an eye, a piece of my childhood isn't going to come back.
And the rest of America who voiced their sadness on Twitter, and made Sweet Tomatoes a trending topic, really captured how all us Sweet Tomatoes fans are feeling about the sudden closure:
1. This girl obviously lost a piece of her childhood, too.
If I knew it was going to be my last time eating at Sweet Tomatoes, I would have gone harder 😓— kt (@kt) 1588994383.0
I feel you, Katie, I feel you.
2. Everyone missing their local Sweet Tomatoes like...
Late night making myself emotional looking at this picture of the Sarasota Sweet Tomatoes https://t.co/S3FXhG8q3j— Squad Victory Funder (@Squad Victory Funder) 1589599632.0
Yes, Abby, our local Sweet Tomatoes will always be held close to our hearts. Sad we couldn't have one last, emotional feast.
3. Simple, but on-point.
Sweet tomatoes is closed for good and I’m super upset— Justine:) (@Justine:)) 1589549565.0
My initial reaction to Sweet Tomatoes closing, as I was in obvious shock.
4. The blueberry muffins were EVERYTHING!
If I knew the last time I ate Sweet Tomatoes would be the last time I ate Sweet Tomatoes, I would’ve gotten an extr… https://t.co/aEOdSDrseK— Jul (@Jul) 1589068773.0
Oh, the blueberry muffins... I think we all wish we could have just one more.
5. FACTS
forget airlines we shoulda bailed out sweet tomatoes man— Mohit (@Mohit) 1589059060.0
Who needs to fly anywhere when we could have Sweet Tomatoes instead?!
6. Couldn't have said it better myself...
sweet tomatoes permanently closed which means i will be permanently sad :/— miguel (@miguel) 1589005920.0
Honestly, I thought I would get over it, but I still feel a tear falling down my check every now and then...
7. They really gave Sweet Tomatoes the tweet that it deserved.
First, I love salad. And chocolate brownie muffins. Sweet Tomatoes combined both those loves. Second, at my age I l… https://t.co/I4fI4MvqAy— Tracie Sponenberg (@Tracie Sponenberg) 1588990005.0
What a beautiful tribute to an icon.
8. It won't be the same for any of us.
COVID-19 has ruined my life sweet tomatoes is closing forever I will never be the same 😭😭😭😭😭— ↠ a l y s s a ↞ (@↠ a l y s s a ↞) 1588916577.0
But we gotta support each other through this!
9. Start a petition!
can someone rich please save sweet tomatoes— Franny Mishriki (@Franny Mishriki) 1589039885.0
When you skip the crying and go straight to problem-solving.
10. And then there's the guy who's ready to take action!
I will personally resupply every Sweet Tomatoes location with food if that’s what it takes to be able to continue eating there once a year— Andrew Olson (@Andrew Olson) 1588961299.0
He skipped crying and problem-solving, and went straight to offering a helping hand to save the restaurant chain.
11. I relate to this one a lot...
NOOOO i am legitimately close to tears. my huge family always ended up there when we were all in the same city. we… https://t.co/m2EGj1LD4a— mariam 🧍🏽♀️ (@mariam 🧍🏽♀️) 1588998715.0
Was it really a Sweet Tomatoes trip if it wasn't a full-on family event?
12. This guy truly understood the purpose of Sweet Tomatoes.
All I want is the chance to eat at Sweet Tomatoes just one more time. Make a plate of salad I’ll never finish. Get… https://t.co/d9jQK3pT9C— Jose Carlos Fajardo (@Jose Carlos Fajardo) 1588997906.0
And just like him, we'll all miss this, too!
13. It's a heartbreak like no other.
sweet tomatoes is closing.... forever...... i am heart broken— 𝙠𝙖𝙮𝙡𝙖 (@𝙠𝙖𝙮𝙡𝙖) 1588977692.0
Time to play some break-up songs... because it feels like Sweet Tomatoes just broke up with me.
14. When you cope by trying to replicate Sweet Tomatoes' muffins in quarantine.
@souplantation I need time to mourn. And all of your muffin recipes. RIP, Sweet Tomatoes.— Christina M. Muller (@Christina M. Muller) 1588972752.0
It probably won't work, but it's honestly worth a try.
15. If only it was a joke...
@souplantation Haha, this is where you say “just kidding, we’ll be ripe back!” Right?— Andu12 (@Andu12) 1588980378.0
They will not be "ripe back," not now, not ever.
16. The Florida kids who were blessed to know Sweet Tomatoes...
We are the kids of Florida. And today, we mourn sweet tomatoes.— Sy Schimberg (@Sy Schimberg) 1589055615.0
Are now mourning its extinction. Farewell, Sweet Tomatoes, you will be missed.
In all seriousness, this pandemic has caused a lot of hardworking people to lose their jobs and a lot of amazing businesses to shut their doors without a final goodbye from their loyal customers. It truly is devastating. Whether you hardcore relate to this and take it seriously or it puts a smile on your face during these hard times, don't forget to think about the workers who have just been laid-off, too. These are hard times, so we all need to stick together with a little positivity and laughter in hopes we can wipe some tears away!
