Despite the cooler temperatures Friday afternoon, customers were more than happy to sit on a patio and enjoy a beverage (or two) at select Simcoe restaurants.
Bar and restaurant owners scrambled to prepare their patios in just 72 hours, ensuring tables and chairs were spaced out 6 feet apart and social distancing signs were clearly marked for patrons.
St Louis Bar & Grill’s patio was quick to fill up before “happy hour” even began.
“We’re so excited to be open finally,” commented Amber Morrison, manager of Bradford St Louis. “The staff are so happy to be back to work”.
Servers and bar staff quickly hustled around the patio providing drinks and food to guests as they soaked in little bits of sun – everyone sported big grins!
“I really missed seeing our regulars,” commented one of the St Louis servers. “We’re like a big family here”.
La Mexicanada’s patio was also bustling on Friday as customers stopped by for a margarita or tacos.
“It was good!” shares owners Deb and Edson Nava. “It was like a trial for us”.
Masked staff ensured guests were comfortably spaced out on the patio with hand sanitizer readily available. With just the patio to focus on, food and drink orders were quick to arrive at each table.
“I was so paranoid about over-booking on that little patio,” confesses Deb. “But still sad we had to refuse all walk-in customers”.
The couple plans to expand the small Mexican patio to the front of the restaurant to accommodate more seating; similar to a set-up they did during Carrot Fest the previous year.
Although not all bars & restaurants were able to participate with a patio this weekend, some were preparing ‘parking lot patios’ in anticipation for the Town’s counsel meeting this coming Tuesday.
“We have to wait for approval before we can officially open the (parking lot) patio,” mentions Carrie Reid, bartender at Chuck’s Roadhouse.
The makeshift patio will also be shared with neighbouring restaurant Poleiro’s, as well 7 Skewers restaurant will also have their own lot-patio.
“A shared patio,” explains Tony Garcia, owner of Poleiro’s. “Where you may come into Poleiro’s, buy your food, take out to the patio and purchase an alcoholic drink with your meal, or order from the Chuck’s menu”.
Similarly, Don Cherry’s Bradford location has also set up a “beer garden” equipped with patio lights marking off the large parking lot and picnic tables evenly spaced out.
Council members meet this Tuesday to discuss the “patio program” which will allow venues without a patio to take advantage of alternate options.
In the meantime, enjoy the patios safely this weekend!
