July heat is pushing more restaurant goers indoors.
Kevin Evans with the city of Peoria's economic development arm said that presents both opportunities and challenges.
Evans said restaurants hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic could recoup some lost revenue by welcoming indoor diners, but there’s a bit to consider.
“The effectiveness ... is really a true function of how well they’ve done the math around profitability and whether or not the menu needs to continue to be relatively limited,” he said.
Evans said supply, cleaning, and utility costs also are a factor, adding the pandemic is posing a total rethinking of cost structure.
Some restaurant owners also are experiencing staffing issues that could make accommodating indoor dining harder, Evans said. The city is currently surveying owners and managers on concerns they have under the new phase of reopening.
“Some of the early results suggest that restaurant owners (are concerned) about workers returning, particularly the front of the house, you know, greeters and servers—people that have high contact with restaurant goers,” Evans said.
The restaurants that were successful in getting people to come back were paying more, Evans said. They also had to prove that they’re taking staff health and safety into account.
Diners, on the other hand, seem eager to get back inside. Julia Salvatierra co-owns Hacienda el Mirador in Junction City.
“My customers are very excited to come dine inside—more right now this month because the weather is so hot out,” she said. “But in the night, it’s more (busy) outside.”
Matt Rixmer, owner of the Fox Pub & Cafe on Pioneer Parkway, said he’s seen a similar trend. Outdoor seating has gone well, he said, but that’s changed a bit recently. “It’s interesting to me, I guess, that there’s people that only want to dine-in,” he said. Rixmer said some have even left when a table was unavailable. He said the restaurant can only seat about 30 inside, under current capacity limits.
Under Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan, restaurants are limited to 25 percent capacity in standing areas. Tables must be spaced at least 6 feet apart. All servers are required to wear face masks.
We’re living in unprecedented times when information changes by the minute. WCBU will continue to be here for you, keeping you up-to-date with the live, local and trusted news you need. Help ensure WCBU can continue with its in-depth and comprehensive COVID-19 coverage as the situation evolves by making a contribution.
