TOLEDO, Ohio — After being closed for more than two months, Jennifer Hurst is welcoming customers back inside the Sunrise Skillet. The restaurant has only been offering carryout for about a week or so, but Hurst said the customer support has been great.
"Business has been fantastic! We were 10 tables in before we opened, our customers are amazing, they just want to get out of the house and they are very generous!.We've had many customers reach out to use just to see what we can do do help, " said Jennifer Hurst, owner of the Sunrise Skillet.
The restaurant is taking restrictions very seriously. Staff has put up plastic dividers in between booths and counter spaces. Additionally, sanitizing expectations have been posted for both staff and customers.
Even though restaurants have the all clear to have indoor dining, they are only allowed to take in so many customers so many of them are only operating at about 50% capacity.
Nina Ruiz regularly visits the Sunrise Skillet and likes dining in at restaurants for social reasons. Over the past few weeks, she's been adjusting to staying at home.
"I really didn't want to do the curbside pick up thing because I enjoy the staff here and I enjoy the atmosphere, and I'm just really happy they're open," said Ruiz.
Ruiz said she felt safe dining in on Thursday and plans to visit other restaurants now that they're open.
"Everything was definitely safe and spaced out, the tables actually had little notes on there that said they were already sanitized, no salt or pepper shakers or anything like that are out, they're giving out packets," she said.
Some restaurants are choosing to stay closed until they feel they can open up safely. The health department is conducting random spot checks with businesses, and following up on any complaints they receive.
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said in a press conference on Thursday, the city continues to receive complaints as more business open up.
"We have received about 166 complaints from employees, patrons, citizens who felt something was being violated," said Mayor Kapszukiewicz.
Carry out options are also still being offered at most restaurants for customers who are not comfortable dining in.
