Businesses deliver make-your-own pizza, dessert kits to families during coronavirus outbreak

BROCKTON — Several local businesses limited in their operations due to the coronavirus outbreak are offering new items - pizza and dessert kits - to families cooped up in their homes.

Montilio's Baking Company, with locations in Brockton, Weymouth, Braintree and Quincy, has been delivering decorate-your-own-cupcake, cookie, cake, brownie and gingerbread house kits, as well as make-your-own-pizza kits.

In the days since the business began offering the kits, customers have ordered about 150, and they're asking for more.

Customers have been sending owner Jenna Susi pictures and videos of their kids enjoying the kits. They are a welcome activity for parents looking to feed and entertain their children who are home from school and bored inside the house.

"I’m home with the kids, and you’re trying to figure out what to do with them to make them laugh and smile and have fun together," Susi told Boston 25 News by FaceTime Tuesday. "And putting something together like this and seeing the feedback we’re getting, it’s the world to all of us."

The Montilio's shops remain open, offering the essentials, including milk, bread and eggs. But with weddings postponed and special-event cakes off the table, the company, like so many others, can use the business. Every customer's purchase, Susi says, helps keep their stores open and their workers employed.

"A lot of our employees have kids, have families and they need this paycheck," Susi said. "It’s really hard right now. And we’re seeing a lot of businesses close, and it breaks my heart. That’s why every time you see a happy customer, it’s allowing us to be able to keep the jobs for our employees, who, basically, they’re our family."

Kits are also available for pick-up in store. But to observe social distancing advisories and keep everyone safe, delivery prices have been cut in half, Susi said. Delivery workers wear gloves and limit interactions at homes. Purchases can also be made over the phone and left at the door.

Several other local business, particularly pizzerias, are also delivering at-home meal kits.

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