MIDDLETOWN, CT — Predicting a potential shut down of retail amid the new coronavirus crisis, a popular Middletown restaurant is planning on auctioning off all of its food on Wednesday. Taino Smokehouse, located at 482 South Main St., described it as the "biggest auction we have ever had" and a "blow out" in a post on Facebook.

"OK here is the deal... We have to survive based on instinct.... My instinct is telling me retail will be completely shut down except for the essentials....," reads a post on the Taino Smokehouse Facebook page. "Insurance doesn't cover this type of loss, so we have to play it safe... we are cooking everything tonight and blowing it all out tomorrow [March 18] until its gone starting at 11:00 AM.

"THE BIGGEST AUCTION we want to get rid of everything from food to beer (bring a growler). Name your price, and stock up!!!