SIMSBURY, Conn. — Many restaurants are now trying to figure out how to extend their outdoor dining because this Friday the Governor’s call to fall back on several phase 2 restrictions, kicks in.
Governor Lamont's announcement to fall back on phase two restrictions has caused some restaurant owners like Chef Tyler Anderson to get creative.
The celebrity chef is building covid safe greenhouses at his restaurant -Millwrights in Simsbury. He said he worked with Simsbury and state officials to create the low-risk structures that will be easy to heat. The greenhouse will be decorated, have music, heat, and will fit anywhere from two to twelve people-although current restrictions only allow eight people per table.
“DECD was really great about working with us and are currently working on how other restaurants can do the same,” Anderson said.
Since Tuesday night, 530 more covid cases have been reported in Connecticut. A rise in cases, the reason behind Governor Lamont’s revert move back to the phase 2.1 restrictions.
Although restaurants can still serve take-out past the new mandatory 9:30 p.m. closing time, Scott Dolch from the Connecticut Restaurant Association said losing that last round of dinner customers hurts business and owners are looking for more financial help from the state.
RELATED: You Ask. We Answer. | Outdoor dining
“To lose that seating is a third of their revenue,” Dolch said. “Having to rollback is going to have some negative impacts on these restaurants being able to generate revenue, on a no fault to their own, so we need to find additional ways to help support they financially to make it through this tough time.”
The State’s Department of Economic and Community Development said they understand how this rollback can affect the service industry and are willing to help restaurants plan safe dining options.