Restaurants, other businesses in W.Va. may go full capacity
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WEIRTON -- Three local restaurant owners said they are looking forward to serving more people since Gov. Jim Justice has lifted restrictions on seating capacity aimed at reducing spread of COVID-19.
During his Friday morning briefing from the State Capitol Building, Justice said restaurants and bars can serve at 100 percent of their seating capacity, with no standing room allowed.
Justice also lifted capacity limits for grocery stores and other businesses as well as gyms, fitness centers and museums.
Anthony Colpo, owner of the Garden Grill Steakhouse, said, "It is the exciting next step everyone has been waiting for. I think the governor is making some good moves"
But Colpo noted his staff will continue to comply with orders to wear masks while remaining vigilant in thoroughly cleaning the restaurant.
He said such measures have been key to keeping COVID-19 cases at a level that has earned West Virginia attention and admiration nationwide.
Two weeks ago Justice raised the seating capacity for restaurants from 50 percent to 75 percent.
Colpo said such steps, coupled with his staff's commitment to cleanliness, have boosted business.
"It seems the more they're expanding the percentage of occupancy, the more comfortable people are feeling," he said.
Dewey Guida owner of DeeJay's BBQ Ribs and Grille, said, "It's definitely a move in the right direction and I believe as COVID cases decline, restrictions will continue to be lifted."
Like Colpo, Guida said his staff will work hard to maintain highly sanitary conditions for his customers.
"We will do everything we need to do to make people feel comfortable," he said while noting patrons must continue to wear masks in restaurants when not at their tables until advised otherwise.
Guida said it's a measure that's not always been popular with visitors but one the restaurant has enforced to comply with orders from public health officials.
He said in recent weeks he's seen an increase in business.
"I'm seeing some of my long-time customers, some I haven't seen in a year, and I think it's due to the availability of the vaccines," said Guida.
Shawn Mihellis, co-owner with Yianni Bourbakis of Theo Yianni's Greek Restaurant, said, "We're very excited. People are really coming out now. So many business owners are waiting for it to be normal again."
He and other restaurant owners said it's been a challenging year.
Colpo noted Justice's decision comes almost a year after he declared a state of emergency, ordering the temporary closing of all businesses deemed nonessential and calling for restaurants to provide meals for take-out only.
His restaurant had opened only about five months prior to that. Initially focused on a sit-down clientele, it benefited from its takeout window, something some questioned would be needed, Colpo recalled.
He and his staff quickly adapted to providing family-style meals along with its steak dinners, something many welcomed as an alternative to fast food.
Colpo said customers embraced the chance to help a local business and its employees.
"Community support from throughout the greater Weirton area was incredible," he said.
Guida said takeout orders for his restaurant rose from 18 percent to 36 percent, as the business, unsure how long the closing would last, adapted "to stay alive."
"It's really been a rollercoaster ride," said Guida, who added the restaurant now may need to add hosts and hostesses to serve a greater flow of walk-ins.
But Guida said as the owner of a 40-year-old business, he also has learned from the experience.
"With all adversity, there's a silver lining. We learned ways we can improve," he said.
Like Colpo, Guida and Mihellis expressed gratitude for the support of customers old and new.
"People were really great. When they came in for their take-out orders, they would give our staff the same tips they would have left if they had eaten here," said Mihellis.
He said to-go orders may continue to be a large portion of the restaurant's business into the future.
"Our take-out business has probably doubled," Mihellis said, adding, "That take-out option is a good thing. People still have the choice. They can order to go if they don't feel comfortable eating here because of their health conditions."
(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)