Business slowly picking up after 100% capacity allowed

Business slowly picking up after 100% capacity allowed Main Photo

17 Mar 2021


news, Covid19, Small Business

Dalondo Moultrie The Seguin Gazette

A week has passed since Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s edict went into affect restoring businesses’ ability to operate at full capacity and rescinding the state’s mask order.

Some local eateries have seen little change in the week since things were set back to as they were before the pandemic. The governor’s decision, it seems, minimally has changed the way some customers and restaurant owners operate during the pandemic.

“It’s hit and miss, depends on the day of the week,” Majid Bassiri, owner of Casa Sol Mexican Restaurant, said of the slight uptick he’s seen in business. “There is more activity I must say compared to two months ago, three months ago, that’s for sure. It’s still not where it used to be.

“Hopefully, gradually it will happen.”

He still closes the restaurant two days out of the week and will continue to until volume increases, Bassiri said.

On March 2, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced he was removing the state’s mask mandate and allowing businesses to go back to operating at full capacity following mask orders and requirements to limit the number of people in indoor establishments to help with social distancing.

Following his announcement, the governor recommended people continue wearing masks and following social distancing suggestions, as well as washing hands and practicing good hygiene. Abbott’s order went into effect March 10.

The reopening should be good for most all businesses, said Megan Glisson, co-owner of Dilly Deli on Court Street in Seguin..

“I’m happy it’s open as long as people are careful,” she said.

Dilly Deli hasn’t seen much of an increase in activity since Abbott’s announcement. The owners have made few changes in response to the lifted mandates, co-owner Mike Shillinger said.

“The one thing we did differently when we went back to 100% is add a table on our porch,” he said. “We can only fit 38 people inside, but we don’t have that many seats available at the moment.”

Dilly Deli allows customers to make a choice whether to wear masks, but they ask that the decision be made responsibly and with others in mind. The restaurant seating is spaced out to allow for social distancing indoors and there is outdoor seating to accommodate guests.

Throughout a turbulent year, Dilly Deli has managed to keep the doors open and the grill hot, Shillinger said.

“We almost closed our doors two or three times this past year, but miracles happen,” he said. “We’re staying, signing a longer lease, getting with the [building] owners to renovate the building to get more outside seating to better accommodate more people.”

Court Streete Coffee Shop in Seguin has seen a more steady stream of customers, but the governor allowing 100% occupancy hasn’t really affected her numbers, owner Heather Felty said.

Lifting the mandates is good, though, she said.

“We love it,” Felty said. “We think it’ll make people feel more comfortable to come out for business.

Lowering of mask restrictions has led to some diners lowering their guards at his restaurant, Bassiri said. People are feeling a relief and feeling more at ease about dining out, he said.

Individuals have to make choices on how to protect themselves and he’s noticed guests stick with facial coverings, Bassiri said.

“It depends on people, when they feel at ease to come to a public place,” he said. “I still see people protecting themselves with masks even though that mandate has been lifted. People are still being cautious, which is good.”

The fight against COVID-19 is one everyone should wage, Shillinger said. The pandemic’s tentacles are affecting large swaths of society and will tak a combination of factors to defeat, he said.

“This past year has been one heck of an up and down time,” Shillinger said. “Everyone has felt it one way or another. One thing we can do, though, is come together.”

When restaurants see business increase to past levels or when things will return to normal remain up in the air, Bassiri said. Many factors will play a part in bringing his and other similar businesses back to prior income levels, he said.

“It all depends on the economy; Seguin has a good economy,” Bassiri said. “We are trying as much as we can. It’s not bad.

“There is a light at the end of the tunnel, that’s for sure.”

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