Consumers once again have the choice to dine-in at their favorite restaurants but many are taking a pass, opting to eat al fresco.
That could explain why outdoor dining tents continue to pop up like spring flowers at local eateries even with 50% capacity now allowed for dine-in service.
“Even when COVID is over and we’re back to 100% (occupancy) the mood of the consumer is they still want curbside (take out) or outdoor dining,” said Joe Rupnik, owner of The Pasta House Co.
The city’s Building and Zoning Department has gone so far as to list them as “COVID tents” on recently filed permits.