Restaurants welcome in customers over holiday weekend

Restaurants welcome in customers over holiday weekend

Restaurant and bar owners were hoping for big crowds this holiday weekend... and some got just that.

That's where we begin our coverage of coronavirus in the wabash valley this evening.

First... we head to illinois.

You'll remember... restaurant restrictions were lifted there after a judge's ruling last week.

Today... we stopped by crossroads caé in marshall.

It's open at full capacity.

Owner "sonny ha-lee-me" says it's good to have steady revenue once again.

"oh my god we sold so many steaks you know.

It seemed like a year ago before how it use to be before, before the virus started you know."

"ha-lee-me" says... even though the restaurant is open at full capacity... his staff is doing all they can to maintain a clean and safe environment.

Back in indiana... some restaurant owners tell us they were "bummed" they coul not open at full capacity this holiday weekend.

The state was set to enter stage 5 of the "back on track" plan this weekend.

But... after an increase in new cases... indiana governor eric holcomb decided to hold off.

Now... the state is in stage 4-point-5.

This means restaurants... bars... and entertainment venues...must stay at stage 4 capacity levels.

We spoke with the owner of the copper bar in terre haute.

He says business this weekend was about the same as past years... but... he is still disappointed he'll have to wait another 2-weeks to open fully.

18:31:55-18:32:09 "it's kind of a holiday where people do their own thing at home and have their own fireworks but we wanted to be open for people that didn't have any plans and wanted to come out so i'd say we were happy with the turn out but it is what it is."

He adds... these next 2-weeks will give "his staff" more time to prepare