No surprise that some of the patrons at Chubby’s Diner were disappointed to see the dining area closed off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many were regulars, retired folks, who enjoyed spending their mornings in the Manteca retro-style diner – the décor of the restaurant at 245 W. Louise Ave. evokes memories of Elvis, Marilyn, Buddy Holly, muscle cars and sock hops – chatting it up with over a hot cup of joe while enjoying Blueberry Hill Belgian Waffles or a Ricky Ricardo bacon, eggs & cheddar on a croissant listed under Lucille’s Sandwiches.

Prior to the coronavirus precautions, Chubby’s dining area would usually be three-fourth full of customers, according to server Flavia Arroyo on Thursday.

Breakfast or lunch can still be enjoyed but only under curbside takeout.

“We had five takeout orders today,” said Arroyo, who studying Psychology at San Francisco State – classrooms there are out until further notice.

Added Chubby’s manager Fatima Arroyo: “We’re doing our part on what the governor has suggested in stopping the spread of the coronavirus.”

She’s referring to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent message that restaurants should be allowed to remain open, adding that he didn’t think closing those businesses was “necessary at this point.”

Rather, he believes visiting restaurants is safe as long as individuals are social distancing and that “people (should) be able to pick up food, we need to be able to have food delivered,” Newsom added.

Places in Manteca such as Finley’s Bar & Grill, Shooters Wings & Things, Pete’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, and Hob Nob Hot Dogs, to name a few, are offering takeout food service.

Pizza Guys and Anna’s Asian Palace are offering both take outs and deliveries.

Tandoori Grill Indian Cuisine can be delivered via the online Doordash service along with take outs.

Papa Nino’s Pizza has both Door Dash, Grub Hub and in-home deliveries strictly for those age 65 and older, to go along with take-out orders.

The Olive Oil Pantry is also offering home deliveries.

At Chubby’s, Fatima Arroyo indicated that she got the word out on the breakfast-lunch curbside services – offered from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – via Facebook and Instagram.

She looked at dining area earlier that day, calling it “very eerie and very sad.”