PORT ALBERNI, B.C. The owner of a Sproat Lake restaurant that originally wasn t going to open for the season due to the pandemic says pleas from customers and an innovative idea are what allowed the business to open its doors and flourish. It was our original plan that we weren t going to open at all and a few of our loyal customers came to us and said, ‘Could you please open? We really want you guys to be open, we really enjoy coming out in the summer,’ says Drinkwaters Lakeside Lounge and Dining owner Ross Mitchell. Mitchell says he and his customers came up with a plan in 2020 that he believes is unique. He says 40 families each put in $500 advances with the understanding that they would draw from that amount with either dine-in or take-out meals within a three-month period.