‘It’s been tricky’: Henrico restaurant expands outside eating setup amid pandemic, colder weather

HENRICO, Va (WRIC) – Winter weather conditions and the ongoing pandemic is building a new challenge for eating places through Central Virginia.

The Grapevine, a Greek and Italian cafe in Henrico, is performing like lots of institutions to extend outdoor dining​ preserving consumers heat.

The Grapevine started the pandemic with tents, but now, they’ve rushed to establish a gazebo just in time for the colder temperatures.

“It’s been tricky, really tough,” claimed Mitchell Trak, proprietor of The Grapevine.

And it’s no key that COVID-19 has brought worries to dining establishments and their entrepreneurs.

“People are, you know, they really don’t want to go into the eating area, they really do not want to walk in the eating area, so you’ve bought to truly make some alterations,” stated Trak.

Trak says individuals changes commenced months in the past when they acquired money from Henrico County.

In Might, the county supplied support to dining places opening outside eating spots.

“They absolutely guided us the suitable way,” Trak reported.

Trak asked for a allow to establish a gazebo in advance of the pandemic. He reported they sped-up construction due to the substantial need of individuals seeking to consume outside.

“I imagine we’d be in trouble without it,” Trak advised 8News about the restaurant’s addition.

With colder weather conditions below, they’ve added these heaters also, and Trak says the gazebo permits for extra home to area out customers.

Grapevine typical Michael Kord suggests the cafe, a staple in the local community for practically 30 years, has tailored properly to COVID-19 limitations.

“When the pandemic first commenced, they were really responsive to the curbside pickup,” Kord claimed.

Trak, like other restaurant homeowners, says in spite of COVID-19 setbacks, they’ll go on to force ahead.

“Decline in banquets, catering. All the weddings have been canceled, but thankfully, the takeout, curbside, shipping and delivery stop has been hectic,” Trak claimed.

Ideal now, The Grapevine has propane heaters in the gazebo, but team programs to put in electric powered heaters in the near potential.

Coronavirus Updates
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