CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) As soon as he got a hint that the state s stay-at-home order was about to be lifted, Primo s Pizzeria and Pub owner Drew Nichols and his staff sprung action, redeploying his TVs and outdoor seating and within hours, customers began to arrive. We got here this morning, started dusting everything off, tables and tents, said Nichols. We really haven t done anything, other that people honking, driving by, knowing that we re open, and they started coming in. Tonight will definitely be crazy I m sure of that.
The Insignia Salon in Walnut Creek was also quick to reopen with a handful of clients this morning, who were anxious to get on with services they ve had to put off for more than a month.
It s a different world out there this week in parts of the East Bay. Crowded stores over the weekend have given way to an uneasy quiet, reminiscent of the shelter-in-place last spring.
Some council members expressed concern that other businesses, such as gyms, personal services and retail, were left out. But generally, the council was unanimous in wanting to support restaurants.
Mayor Kevin Wilk said he understands other businesses are suffering, but said restaurants are more acutely at risk of closure due to whiplash from changing restrictions. We have to concentrate our efforts, said Mayor Wilk on the city s rebound efforts.