Battlefords residents were quick to get into their favourite dining spots, such as Hailey's Restaurant, as phase three of the province's Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan began Monday. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

Going out

Restaurants return to dine-in experience

Jun 8, 2020 | 5:29 PM

Residents in the Battlefords can head back to their favourite dining locations which reopened for the third phase of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan.

The reopening is not a completely back to normal. Now managers and owners are tasked with educating staff and customers about the new restrictions faced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hailey Bui of Hailey’s Restaurant said immediately after opening at 8 a.m., she had to turn down a handshake and hug from eager customers.

“I had lots of phone calls and they were all excited to come,” Bui said. “We’re doing good so far, so happy to open up.”

Restrictions restaurants must adhere to include only filling the venue to half capacity, provide appropriate physical distancing, constant sanitization and cleaning and staff wearing masks. Several owners said many of these measures may stay as regular practices in the long term.

“We’re getting back into routine, and we’ll continue to keep [these measures] after the virus,” Bui said.

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During the initial weeks of phase three, residents going out to eat can expect to see other differences from the pre-pandemic dining experience.

“Right now, we aren’t doing entertainment like karaoke or a DJ,” Bui said. “People are disappointed about that, but they know that safety [is the priority].”

Robin Petersen, owner of Blend Restaurant and Bar, said he’s had many ask about the use of Video Lottery Terminals (VLT’s) as well as reserving a table.

“VLT’s are not available yet until phase four,” he said. “People [are] calling quite a bit to see what time we’re opening, what we’re going to be having, all that kind of stuff.”

While that’s provided a fair amount of work, Petersen said the phone calls are helpful.

“Making reservations is important, so we know what to expect and how to deal with it,” he said.

Reopening restaurants like Blend Restaurant and Bar have a number of regulations to get used to during the first weeks of Phase Three. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)

One of the challenges restaurants are facing is getting back up to speed on day-to-day processes while also getting used to new restrictions.

“When the restaurant’s empty for a couple months, and you’re not operating, there’s all these little things you got to get done,” Petersen said.

Mike Lehman of Country Cuisine said his staff members are focused on being efficient but also maintaining all the extra cleaning throughout their shift.

“It’ll be a little bit of a learning curve, particularly with enhanced sanitizing,” he said. “Just [have] to get the routine and adjust the staff in order to do the cleaning.”

There’s also some concern about constant mask wearing, as it isn’t ideal for the interaction servers have with patrons. It can also make breathing difficult during a busy shift.

When it comes to the physical work, Lehman said his staff is doing fine.

It’s a “little warm for some of them when they get busy, but so far so good,” he said.

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports