“We’re open and we’re ready for anybody who wants to come visit us,” Peanut Barrel owner, Joe Bell said.
Bell has learned a lot about patience.
“We don’t really know what to expect yet,” Bell said.
He hopes it’s about to pay off. He’s owned the Peanut Barrel for 40 years.
And even if he has to keep the crowd to much less than full, at 25 percent, he’s happy he’s open again. Just like Bryan Ponke, General Manager of HopCat, who’s a couple blocks away.
“The first week we had really good sales last week and the take-out sales are really just continuing,” Ponke said.
They’re taking additional measures.
“We’re asking that all guests wear masks at all times,” Ponke said.
“A QR menu where you can use your phone to pull up our menu,” Bell said.
Of course, restaurant life is different for now.
“We also have a contact tracing form that we’re asking them to do when they walk inside, the tables are more spaced out,” Ponke said.
“You are not seeing large crowds,” Bell said.
With a maximum of six per table and sanitizing every hour, they’re taking every measure.
“Anything we can do to make sure our guests and our staff are safe,” Ponke said.
Joe and Bryan want to make sure they keep their customer safe, and happy… it’s what they do. And if they can serve a little comfort in pandemic times, they’re up for that!
“I think there’s still people that are nervous, and they’re not ready to come inside yet. And when they are, we’ll be here,” Bell said.
“We reopened because we missed our guests,” Ponke said.
They’ll be there, most likely serving a signature burger and bringing a side of joy.