GREENWICH — After a surge in cases of COVID-19, the state rolled back the capacity allowed in restaurants and set a nightly curfew. But despite the new rules, many restaurant owners in Greenwich said their focus is not just on their bottom lines, but also on public health.
“If we have to do it, we have to do it,” Marc Penvenne, owner of Bistro Versailles and Meli-Melo on Greenwich Avenue, said on Monday.
Under the state’s modified Phase 2.1 rules that just took effect, indoor seating at restaurants was reduced from 75 percent of capacity to 50 percent. And restaurants must close at 10 p.m., with “last call” seating at 9:30 p.m.
“Health is a good thing. I’m pretty sure everyone feels the same way,” Penvenne said. “Right now, we will lose some business, but I think there is no way to go around what has happened.”
In particular, the early closing time will cut into business, Penvenne said. But he said the coronavirus must be beaten.
“We don’t want to have to close down like we did last spring,” Penvenne said.
The change in capacity won’t impact the East Elm Oyster House downtown — restaurant manager Anthony Salvatore said their indoor seating is at 50 percent because of the safety Plexiglass that was installed.
“We just have to do the best we can,” Salvatore said. “Every month it’s been something different. …We hope we’ll be able to do a little more takeout, and we may have to go to limits of people at tables for an hour and 15 minutes to try to do more of a turnover. We don’t have a lot of tables.”
A waiter for more than 25 years at Putnam Restaurant on Greenwich Avenue, John Montoya said he was concerned because his job depends on in-person dining.
“We’ve been seeing people less, there’s no doubt about it,” Montoya said. “This is how I pay my bills. But at the same time, no one here wants to get sick.”
The recent stretch of warm weather has helped as diners enjoyed outdoor seating, but temperatures will soon drop.
Logan Riley, manager at Little Beet Table on Greenwich Avenue, said the cold snap late last month cut into outdoor dining. But they are embracing the latest state guidelines.
“Thankfully for us, moving back to 50 percent indoor capacity is something we see more as a way to put the health of the community first, which is something that we’re all about,” Riley said. “Our menu and our philosophy is always health forward.
“I think the scale back isn’t necessarily going to hurt us. I think it’s going to help with the longevity of things as people are still apprehensive about sitting inside and having it scaled back is something our guests will appreciate in the long run, which I think will lead to a successful winter overall.”
Ramze Zakka said the new rules will be a challenge but said it could be worse.
“This is not as bad as a full lockdown would be,” Zakka said. “Going back to Phase 2 in the interests of everyone’s health means there is less chance of this spreading around. We can get through this.”
Zakka owns three restaurants on Greenwich Avenue: Terra Ristorante, Mediterraneo and East End. He also owns Sole in New Canaan, part of six restaurants under the umbrella of Z Hospitality. Two of their restaurants, one in Norwalk and one in White Plains, N.Y., were closed due to the pandemic, Zakka said.
He said he appreciated the steps taken in Greenwich to support restaurants, including allowing outdoor dining. The lower part of Greenwich Avenue has been closed to vehicular traffic to increase dining and create a pedestrian area. Along other parts of the Avenue, jersey barriers are set up in the street, taking away parking places but allowing restaurants to safely add more outdoor tables.
First Selectman Fred Camillo said he reached out last week to David Lehman, state commissioner of economic and community development. about possibly allowing restaurants to install “dining domes,” which are used in Europe and Japan.
“Apparently the ECD was not high on them because they were not sure about air quality,” Camillo said. “I told him they are working in other places, though, and Mr. Lehman said they are taking a hard look at them now.”
Other major cities, including Chicago with its frigid winter temperatures, are looking at the possibility of dining domes, which are large plastic domes that fit around tables, chairs and diners.
Camillo said he has talked to some local restaurant owners about they idea and said they “loved it” — so he will continue his talks with the state.
“This is something that could really help us long after this pandemic is over,” Camillo said. “Because the nodes and pedestrian-friendly Greenwich Avenue are not going to go away. We’re going to push to make it permanent. These things would be perfect and would ensure restaurants have increased capacity and have more opportunities for residents and visitors to go out to eat.”
Greenwich Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Marcia O’Kane said they are ready to help retailers during the upcoming holiday season.
“We hear from restaurants that they are coping relatively well during COVID with their outdoor setups and are anxious to work with Town Hall requirements about heating and distance parameters to extend outdoor dining into the winter season,” O’Kane said.
Penvenne said he is talking with the town about possibly installing a tent for his restaurants. Town Director of Planning and Zoning Katie DeLuca said the town is helping restaurants and making certain that any ideas — such as a tent — is compliant with building and safety codes.
And Zakka said focusing on health is the priority.
“Let’s get everyone healthy and the future is bright,” he said.
kborsuk@greenwichtime.com
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'We have to do it:' Greenwich restaurants see health benefits in COVID-19 rollbacks - CT Insider
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