WAYZATA, Minn. — While various businesses in Wayzata are cautiously reopening their doors to customers, bars and restaurants find themselves in an extended holding pattern, awaiting guidance from state officials.
In a recent news conference, Governor Tim Walz acknowledged the challenges faced by the hospitality industry and announced plans for future openings. “I have directed my cabinet to continue the extensive discussions with health experts and businesses on how to safely reopen bars, restaurants, barbershops, and salons starting June 1,” said Governor Walz. This decision is aligned with a significant increase in testing, tracing, and isolating the virus across the state.
For establishments like 6Smith and Gianni’s Restaurant, the additional two-week wait translates to further loss of revenue. Randy Stanley of 6Smith expressed the impact of the shelter-in-place order on their sales, which immediately plummeted to zero.
Terri Huml of Gianni’s Restaurant highlighted the devastating effects on staff, guests, and the community. Many workers, now furloughed, are eagerly waiting to return to work.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, estimates for U.S. retail and food services sales in April 2020 dropped by over 16%, amounting to roughly $80 billion. Local restaurants are doing their best to support furloughed staff, offering assistance and staying connected through regular check-ins and virtual meetings.
Takeout services have provided some relief, with local favorites like the Wayzata American Legion adapting their business model for curbside pick-up and delivery. However, industry insiders emphasize that carry-out is not a sustainable long-term solution.
As restaurants navigate this challenging period, they are preparing for the eventual return of sit-down customers. The CDC’s recent guidance focuses on staff training, sanitizing plans, and social distancing efforts. Local establishments like Gianni’s and 6Smith are developing safety protocols, revising business plans, and emphasizing compliance with government guidelines.
While customers eagerly anticipate the reopening of their favorite restaurants, they can expect a new “normal” with changed protocols and safety measures. Wayzata’s restaurant community remains hopeful for a robust and healthy resurgence, buoyed by the unwavering support from the local community.
Terri Huml remarked, “This will be a new ‘normal’ for some period of time. I pray for all of my Wayzata restaurant family that we all reopen as robust and healthy as ever.”
Randy Stanley echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude, “The outpouring of community support for all of the restaurants in Wayzata has been unbelievable,” said Stanley.
