Restaurants are enjoying a bump in sales with mandates being lifted while also having to adjust to the changes. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

Business on the rise

Battlefords restaurants see increased sales as restrictions lift

Feb 22, 2022 | 4:37 PM

For many business owners in one of the hardest-hit industries in the province, Saskatchewan’s shift in COVID-19 restrictions has been a largely welcome change.

Recently Restaurants Canada called for changes to federal support programs. Since the provincial government decided to lift proof of vaccination requirements however, business has seen an uptick.

Robin Petersen, owner of Blend Restaurant & Bar, said they’ve seen a large increase in sales since Feb. 14, as well as some patrons they hadn’t seen in nearly a year.

“Customers are nice to see, because we like them, and it’s also increased our sales, so a win-win,” he said. “Lots of people have commented that it’s nice to be back.”

Petersen said he thinks it’s a step in the right direction, given the economic effects, the progression of cases and the mental toll on employees.

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“Vaccine passports were a lot of stress on my staff, customers, everything,” he said. “Regardless of your opinion on it, it’s a fact that it hurt the industry. So we’re excited that it’s passed.”

That excitement largely remains for the lifting of other restrictions, such as masks. At this time, Saskatchewan’s mask mandate is set to expire on Feb. 28.

Petersen noted that while proof of vaccination was more directly detrimental to the industry, the pandemic as a whole has been draining for staff having to wear masks throughout a shift, especially for those working in the kitchen. He added that it affects both the customer and staff experience of dining.

“Part of going to a restaurant is talking to your server and having that interaction,” he said. “When you have no interaction or you can’t see someone’s face or smile…then it’s not as much fun.”

(File photo/battlefordsNOW)

While there’s likely going to be some immediate enthusiasm, Petersen said he doesn’t expect the sales bump from earlier this month when March hits.

“People will be ready to move on more, but I don’t know if it will directly impact our business from a sales perspective,” he said. “But I think more people will become more comfortable.”

Some hesitancy

While other restaurant owners, workers and patrons are also eager to embrace the lifting of mandates, some are less confident in the province’s decision.

Rachel Lee, owner of Beaver Grill Express, said they’ve also seen an increase in customers the second half of the month, which has been welcome. However, she’s also had a number of calls from people who want to see restrictions continue.

‘They were asking if I was still having vaccine requirements and if I wasn’t doing it, then they weren’t coming,” she said. “It was kind of surprising, but multiple people called that were uncomfortable.”

For her and her staff, Lee said there’s some discomfort on their part as well with the expectation of mandatory masking being lifted. For now, their staff will be wearing masks after the province’s mandate is lifted.

“We’re not going to ask people coming in to wear it, but we will be,” Lee said. “Most people are comfortable with our place because it’s still quite spaced out.”

Period of Adjustment

For businesses in general, a number of other changes are ahead in March. Linda Machniak, chief operating officer of the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce, said they respect and support policy makers and health officials in the province, but expects many businesses will continue to mask up and have other items to manage. This includes investments like Plexiglas barriers, which she expects will stay up in almost every instance, as well as the dynamic with partners.

“Do they keep cleaning protocols in place?” Machniak mused. “Part of that will be a comfort level for staff and how customers will react.”

“It’s more than just the front-end customer side. There’s lots to be done up and down the supply chain for some businesses,”

Machniak stressed that she believes business owners are the best suited to know how to serve their customers’ needs and keep staff safe moving forward.

“They’re the best ones with their staff to come to a decision that will be best for their business,” she said. “They’ve opened many other channels to serve customers, online, delivery and more. A lot of that isn’t going away either.”

And while some remain cautious of venturing out into the community without mandates in place, Machniak said businesses will continue to provide access to customers. This includes services like delivery options.

“For those that still have concerns, need to isolate, or still want to be responsible on those ways, there’s still ways to support and participate in the local economy and have businesses serve them.”

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josh.ryan@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports