Due to social distancing mandates, many restaurants are limiting their orders to take out and delivery.
However, one restaurant in Michigan remains open and is ready to service any visitors who can fit at their tables.
James Vreeland is an animal lover in Detroit, Michigan who is always stocked up with food for the squirrels and song-birds who visit him regularly. Vreeland has recently decided that he would take things to the nest-level.
He has built them a tiny café complete with an entryway, tiny picnic tables, and some simple decor.
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He named his front-yard cafe “Maison de Noix,” which is French for “The Nuthouse,” and he offers a modest menu of stale bread, assorted seeds, and old apples.
Unsurprisingly, he has plenty of customers and who show up regularly to enjoy a couple of snacks.
“The squirrels and blue jays have been loving it,” Vreeland told The Dodo.
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The set up was intended for animals, but they aren’t the only ones enjoying his new business. Vreeland’s neighbors stop by to take a couple of photos or watch the animals. He even set up a timelapse of the restaurant and posted the video on Instagram.
“The response from humans has been pretty great with people stopping all the time to take a photo or watch the frenzy.” Vreeland said.
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Vreeland’s business may not be the most profitable, but he has been experiencing success in his chosen field. His customers are happy and he enjoys providing snacks for the critters in the area.
Vreeland has also inspired others.
Some folks have commented on his Instagram posts asking for his blueprints so that they can set up their own wildlife cafe.
Some of these people want to attract some furry friends to keep them company during their shelter-at-home mandate while others are looking to draw wildlife away from their veggie garden.
“Where can I get plans for the tables?” one commentor asked.
“Chere can I order one? Can you design a bird rest too so [they] will stop eating my lettuce seedlings?” another one asked.
Whatever the reason, we’re hoping to see more people set up their own mini restaurants for local critters. It is a good way to attract some wildlife to your flower garden or keep your vegetable patches safe from naughty birds or squirrels.
Want to build one yourself?
You can absolutely build your own wildlife cafe, just make sure that you practice social distancing while picking up supplies. You will also want to ensure that all your materials are animal friendly and the food is safe for the animals to eat.
Just like starting any business, you want to research your target audience. What kinds of wildlife live in your area? Vreeland lives in an area with plenty of squirrels and birds, but if you live in Arizona, you can try to attract lizards instead.
In addition to a tasty menu, you can provide the animals with something extra to use for their rest time. Birds can use perches and lizards can use sunning/shade rocks.
If you decide to build one of these yourself, make sure to share your progress on social media so the world can enjoy your little wildlife haven.
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