The COVID-19 pandemic has forced restaurants in New Braunfels to adapt their operations to survive, but after a year of uncertainty and with more vaccines administered and capacity limits lifted, owners are expressing optimism that diners will return as the spring and summer tourist season approaches.
Ron Snider, owner of Krauseâs Cafe on South Castell Avenue, said the winter storm last month created a setback for the restaurant, but sales have been good otherwise.
âThe customers are out,â Snider said. âThereâs been a good flow of customers, and it seems as though spring break has started already. Yes, Iâm optimistic. I think weâre going to have a good summer here in New Braunfels. Everybody loves New Braunfels, and itâs a great place for a âdaycation.â I think weâre going to see lots of customers. Weâre hoping for good weather and blue skies.â
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STOCKTON – Restaurants have been hit particularly hard from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This month, area residents can show their support for restaurants and experience the important role the culinary arts play in tourism throughout the region with the return of Stockton Restaurant Week, Jan. 15-24 at more than 30 participating restaurants.
For the 12th year, restaurants across Stockton will curate special menus for take-out due to restrictions on indoor and outdoor dining imposed by state and local public health officials related to COVID-19.
In November, the National Restaurant Association Research Group surveyed 6,000 restaurant operators and 250 supply chain businesses nationwide and found that, since March, 17% of U.S. restaurants more than 110,000 establishments have closed permanently or long-term, according to Capital Press.
PITTSFIELD â Luke Marion succinctly summed up what Berkshire restaurant owners are facing as they head into the winter season.
âItâs been hairy out there,â said the owner of Ottoâs Kitchen & Comfort on East Street.
Itâs not hard to see why. While the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a big chunk of income from local restaurant owners this year, the recent surge of the virus in Massachusetts has caused Gov. Charlie Baker to impose restrictions on state eateries that went into effect Dec. 13.
The guidelines include a 90-minute ban on sit-down dining; dropping the maximum number of people allowed at a table from 10 to six; and requiring customers to wear masks at all times, except when they actively are eating or drinking. Also, patrons are being encouraged to dine only with household members, in order to reduce transmission of the coronavirus.
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Katie Albert brings an order to customers seated in a large tent set up in the parking lot outside Opa! Grill and Taproom in Traverse City in September.
Record-Eagle file photo/Jan-Michael Stump
Ken Biles and Jennifer Thompson, of Baltimore, wear masks while walking along River Street in downtown Elk Rapids in July.
Record-Eagle file photo/Jan-Michael Stump
Airport Maintainers Ray Platts, left, and Craig Neu replace social distancing stickers on the floor of Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport in July.
Record-Eagle file photo/Jan-Michael Stump
TRAVERSE CITY â Businesses and workers in northwest Lower Michigan traveled a rocky road in 2020, jostled by the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions.