Life hasn’t felt nearly the same ever since the coronavirus hit. Businesses were forced to close down, limiting activities to go to, and putting businesses at risk. Restaurants were allowed to reopen for indoor dining at one point, but that came to a stop back in November as the COVID-19 diagnosis numbers began to rise again. The hospitality industry has had some of the hardest-hit businesses during this pandemic.
“There’s no end in sight or a plan and that’s probably been the hardest thing for me,” said Reema Shaver, who owns Bistango.
Once again, restaurants are starting to make a comeback.
Washington state reopening guidelines state that people can once again dine-in at some of their favorite restaurants. These restaurants have to meet the Open Air Dining guidelines in order to resume indoor seating. This means there has to be one or more permeable exterior walls, allowing maximum air flow. The CO2 levels have to be constantly monitored to ensure adequate airflow.
Examples of acceptable sources of airflow include bay doors, multiple open windows, screened openings, and open tent panels. Single windows, interior, entrance or emergency exit doors do not count.
At David’s Pizza, the owner says they’re happy to have people back inside under Governor Inslee’s new guidelines.
“It feels like a bitter reprieve. It’s a chance that you could actually take a breath,” said owner Mark Starr.
Takeout orders remain the main source of income for many restaurants in Spokane. Some are pleading to reopen as they wait for updates from the state. There is a new public service announcement that is calling on the governor for 50 percent indoor dining capacity in fear that 25 percent isn’t enough.
“50 percent allows us to hire our staff back,” said Derek Baziotis, owner of Bene’s.
Baziotis testified on behalf of Senate Bill 5114 that would allow restaurants to function at 25 percent. He wants to safely bring back his business without fear of being shut down once again.
“If we could just break even, if we could bring our employees back and pay them then we could pay our bills, pay our landlord. That would be the band-aid we need,” Baziotis said.
Here is a list of Spokane restaurants with indoor seating options:
- David’s Pizza
- Watts 1903
- Saranac Commons (Peace Pie, Stella’s, Black Label brewery)
- Saranac Pub
- Four Eyed Guys Brewing
- Cascadia
- Incrediburger and Eggs
- No-Li Brewhouse
- Manito Tap House
- Rock City Grill
Indoor dining at 50 percent capacity would be similar to what restaurants were doing over the summer. Business owners are hoping their unified voice will be a spark for change with growing support across the region.