SARASOTA-MANATEE (WSNN) – Local restaurants are taking baby steps in preparing for reopening for Phase One.
The Sarasota–Manatee Originals, made up of 65 locally-owned restaurants throughout Florida’s Suncoast, are preparing the best practices for Phase One.
But, executive director, Sarah Firstenberger, says restaurants are not one–size fits–all.
“I don’t think that we’ll see every restaurant in our community to open on May 4th, some are going to need a little more time,” Firstenberger said.
She says safety remains a top priority.
Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood. Is part of The Originals. General Manager, Jonathan Van Dyke, says they plan to open Monday with the Phase One guidelines in place.
“We’re anxiously awaiting the opportunity to take care of guests,” Van Dyke said. “Our staff has missed a lot of our regulars. Our regulars have missed a lot of our staff. So, we’re ready to properly and safely see our guests again.”
Outside dining will have tables six–feet apart, and inside dining will be at 25 percent capacity.
Van Dyke is encouraging guests to make reservations and do call ahead seating.
“We’re asking them not to wait at our restaurant, simply because we don’t want a crowd to form outside our patio,” Van Dyke said. “We still want to maintain that social distancing.”
Venice Pier Group also plans to reopen. This includes Sharky’s on the Pier, Snook Haven and Fins at Sharky’s.
“The main priority is to get staff working again and provide a safe dining experience for all guests,” Co-Owner, Justin Pachota, said.
He says they’re prepared for outside dining.
Restaurants are also modifying menus.
“Going to narrow down menu to one page, cause we are using disposable menus,” Van Dyke said.
While things aren’t completely back to normal, the excitement is in the air.
“I expect to see a good crowd,” Pachota said. “I think people have been cooped up for quite some time and they’re going to be ready to come back out. All three of our places our waterfront so I think that’s what everyone is going to want to see.”
Firstenberger says things are still changing through phases, so takeout remains at the forefront for many local restaurants.
