Customers enjoy dine-in services as Idaho transitions to Phase 2
COEUR d’ALENE, Idaho — Gold balloons could be seen on North Idaho streets Saturday, a celebratory sign marking Idaho’s transition to Phase 2 of Governor Little’s Rebound plan.
In Stage 2 restaurants can once again offer dine-in services with approval from local health districts. Services like gyms and salons will also be allowed to resume.
Idaho residents filled local restaurants, taking advantage of the warm weather to dine on patios lining downtown Coeur d’Alene.
Though a quick look at Sherman Ave would have you believe things are back to normal in Idaho, businesses will operate a little differently.
READ: North Idaho businesses amp up safety, prepare to re-open during Phase 2
“It’s so exciting to see our regular customers, to see some smiling faces,” said Evelyn Schwenk, who has waitressed at the Iron Horse Bar & Grill for 18 years.
People walked into restaurants again to have a seat, enjoy a meal and have a drink for the first time in over a month.
At Seasons, the dining experience looks a little different. You’ll be seated at a safe distance from other tables, your server will be wearing a mask and gloves, and before you’re even seated, if there are no tables available, you’ll have to wait outside.
They also say tables, menus and high touch areas will be sanitized around the clock.
“We’re just trying to comply with Idaho’s regulations so we can just serve our guests and make sure our employees are also safe as well, too,” said Daniel Bentley, general manager of Seasons.
It’s not the only restaurant making changes.
Iron Horse Bar & Grill is using paper menus in addition to sanitizing.
“We’re just keeping practicing our distancing and keeping sanitized and everybody safe,” said Schwenk.
Both restaurants will be serving a limited menu in the first couple weeks of being open.
They say they’re taking things one step at a time, but are glad to be serving safely again.
RELATED: Table for 2? Leave your email. Gov lays out strict guidelines for restaurants in phase two
COPYRIGHT 2022 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
