CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Did people keep their social distance when restaurant patios reopened Friday?

Not at some bars, as we discuss on the Monday episode of This Week in the CLE.

Listen online here.

Editor Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour coronavirus news podcast, with help from editors Jane Kahoun, Kris Wernowsky and me. We answer many of the questions youve sent through our text message platform.

Youve been sending Chris lots of thoughts and suggestions on our from-the-newsroom account, in which he shares once or twice a day what were thinking about at cleveland.com. You can sign up for free by sending a text to 216-868-4802.

And youve been offering all sorts of great perspective in our coronavirus alert account, which has 13,000-plus subscribers. You can sign up for free by texting 216-279-7784.

Here are the questions were answering today:

1) Did people in Greater Cleveland follow social distancing rules as they returned to restaurants in the coronavirus pandemic? Some must have, but Lago East Bank is getting a lot of attention for photos shared on social media showing people much closer than 6 feet from each other, not wearing masks.

2) How is China making schools safe as children return to classes? Theyre taking temperatures quickly with child-size devices, spraying shoes with disinfectant and adding plastic shields to desks, among other idea. Meanwhile, Ohio is asking parents for feedback on its proposal.

3) Is Progressive Insurance, on of Northeast Ohios big employers, bringing the workforce back to the office? Not until September.

4) Has Ohio Gov. Mike DeWines task force on minorities and the coronavirus made any recommendations? No, theres been no report after nearly a month on the reason for health disparities.

5) What will going to mass be like for Northeast Ohios Catholics when the churches reopen in a week? Church will have no singing, no communion wine and no shaking hands during the sign of the peace, to try to protect parishioners from the coronavirus.

6) Why is the Cleveland Clinic excited about blood plasma from Covid-19 survivors? Theyre hopeful they can help current patients by taking convalescent plasma from a recovered patient and administering it to someone moderately or severely ill through a blood transfusion.

7) How can day camps keep children safe when they open this summer? Theyll have smaller groups, lots of hand washing and no field trips.

8) What are the rules and guidelines for gyms and workout centers when they reopen May 26? The regulations require social distancing; regular disinfection of equipment before and after each use; removal of some seating and lost and founds; and disabling saunas, steam rooms, and most communal showers.

Thats it for Monday. Check back Tuesday for a new podcast.

Meanwhile, find all our past episodes here

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When restaurant patios reopened, did people act responsibly? This Week in the CLE - cleveland.com

A new Ohio House bill would allow bars and restaurants to expand their seating and service into parking lots or public grounds. Theyd also be able to sell alcohol for delivery through third-party services such as GrubHub or Doordash.

Watershed Distillery in Columbus has a small restaurant on site, but owner Greg Lehman says current social distancing requirements are tough.To reopen indoor dining, Ohio requires restaurants to space parties six feet apart or place physical barriers between them.

We dont have a lot of room for people to come in, so by allowing us extra space on a patio or converting a parking lot, it allows us to put more people in seats, which lets us see a clearer path to economic viability," Lehman says.

The bill, sponsored by state Reps. Jeff Lare (R-Violet Twsp.) and D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron), would permanently allow third-party delivery services to deliver an unlimited number of alcoholic drinks to customers over the age of 21.

Bars and restaurants have barely been able to stay afloat during COVID by offering takeout food and beverages, including to-go alcohol, Swearingen said in a statement. Its important to allow them to continue with these sales even when they begin to open because of the limitations their facilities face with social distancing protocols.

Under current COVID-19 rules, customers are limited to two packaged drinks with pick-up orders.

See the article here:
Ohio Bill Would Allow Restaurants To Expand Patios And Deliver Alcohol - WOSU

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Read more from the original source:
Restaurants Allowed To Open Their Outdoor Patios Only Starting June 1 - WCCO | CBS Minnesota

To what degree is art a reflection of real life?

What sort of evolutionary herd instincts are buried deep in our DNA and how hard is it to control them?

Does bone broth cure foot-in-mouth disease?

These are but a few of the deeper questions raised after a statement issued by Lago on Sunday evening in response to pictures depicting overcrowding on its patio on the first weekend bars and restaurants in Ohio could reopen under new statewide guidelines and a Facebook comment from TownHall's GM on the same topic.

Lago and TownHall were just two local examples of a problem seen in some minority of establishments across the state that chose to open: Patios that technically had tables spaced the appropriate distance were filled with many, many more patrons than would seem appropriate even under the state's sorta vague guidelines. This stoked what local TV stations would call controversy. And likely some spikes in asymptomatic virus transmission.

It also drew the attention of Gov. DeWine, who was prompted to issue a statement, tell a Columbus NBC affiliate the state could pull liquor licenses from offenders (an unlikely but nuclear option), and field questions on the subject from Jake Tapper on CNN.

Lago, which booked a DJ for a socially distant patio dance party that was somehow expected not to get crowded, responded to the viral photos, inquiries from WKYC and DeWine's comments with a three-pronged statement.

First, "We are so proud to be Clevelanders!"

Noted.

Second, given the photographic and video evidence that crowds exceeded what many would consider appropriate, Lago said, "There were times during our opening that tested those guidelines and we took immediate measures to thin the 'crowded' areas. We believe we were able to provide a safe environment for all guests. The picturesare one moment, one angle, one second of time."

Deep.

The Rashomon argument aside, it's commendable that Lago would identify problems and address them independently. (They were also fielding questions via phone from Channels 5 and 3 about what they were doing to thin the crowd.) Like DeWine said earlier today, no one want the cops or state to police how restaurants are operating their patios. (And, despite what you may think, we certainly don't want to establish a patio beat here at Scene. Few things are less attractive than that.)

But that means that restaurants and bars have to police the patios themselves. Something that Lago addressed with plank three of its statement while backtracking on plank two.

"We do not believe it is necessarily our responsibility to 'control' our guests. It proved to belargely unrealistic and exceedingly difficult. We are not an enforcement agency."

Whoa.

There's a difference between being unable to control patrons and being unwilling to. Ensuring that your patrons are keeping distance and limiting capacity of your patio is no different than making sure someone wears a shirt at your club, or faces repercussions for using offensive language with the staff, or doesn't get served because they're visibly drunk. Is it probably harder in this regard? Sure. Is it fun? Probably not, because people are big dumb animals.

That all being said, Lago appears to be dealing with this quickly and in a professional manner.

"We understand and will continue to adjust as necessary," the statement read.

Meanwhile, up in Ohio City, TownHall was also dealing with criticism for a sardine-packed patio and some indoor seating (allowed, they argue, because the garage doors at the front and back of the restaurant were opened, making the whole place a patio).

The restaurant, owned by Bobby George, has not issued any official statements but TownHall GM Ryan Hartzell responded to a Facebook comment by telling thecommenter, "If you hate this country so much go back to the one you came from."

In a statement issued late Monday, owner Bobby George claimed he had conducted a "full internal investigation" and would be keeping Hartzell on because to do otherwise would be to bend to public pressure. George did not apologize, though the general appearance of the lengthy statement was supposed to give the impression of being sorry without ever actually saying so, but did blame the situation on a former employee.

At any rate, the city of Cleveland issued a warning citation to TownHall for not keeping proper distance, not conducting temperature checks on employees, and not making employees wear masks.

Originally posted here:
Addressing Patio Concerns, Lago Ruminates on Nature of Art, TownHall GM Says 'Go Back to the Country You Came From' - Cleveland Scene

As Texas continues to loosen its restrictions with a slew of new reopenings announced May 18 by Gov. Greg Abbott some diners are ready to tiptoe their way back into the restaurant scene. Restaurants, which were allowed to reopen on May 1, may increase their capacity to 50 percent on May 22, doubling their previous capacity of 25 percent. Those capacity limits do not extend to outdoor areas, but groups may still be no larger than six people and tables must still maintain six feet distance apart.

Which brings us to patios.

While the pandemic continues, patios are proving popular for folks whod rather not dine indoors, and those simply looking for a fresh change of scenery. Here are some of Fort Worths best patios that have reopened to diners all adhering to COVID-19 precautions such as continued sanitation, deep-cleaning of tables in between parties, temperature checks, masked staff members, and a request that diners don masks, too.

Blue Mesa GrillThe restaurants popular brunch buffet is only available by takeout these days, but Blue Mesas tangy blue margaritas can still be sipped on the street-side covered patio. Views of bustling Carroll Street busier now as folks slowly venture out amid loosening restrictions provide for entertainment. For nourishment, its hard to go wrong with the New Mexican stacked blue corn enchiladas.

Branch & BirdThe sky-high restaurant and patio and the full bar is open Monday through Friday for order-at-the-counter service and online ordering. Customers may then eat on-site at one of the socially distanced tables, all spaced at least six feet apart. While there is no wait staff, the restaurant has team members designated to clean and sanitize tables after each patrons use, and there are nice new sanitary touches like paper towels near door handles. Happy hour is still Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 pm.

Del Friscos GrilleNow that Bird Caf is closing for good on May 22, Del Friscos Grille brings the only option for spacious outdoor dining in Sundance Square Plaza, aside from the tiny footprint of Taco Diner. Partake in ahi tuna tacos, the prime double-patty cheeseburger, or truffle mac and cheese with the signature pineapple martini. Reservations are encouraged to ensure a spot.

GemelleWith spring in full bloom, Tim Loves hidden outdoor oasis is as lush as ever, with seating spread amid veggie gardens and bright orange umbrellas. The high-profile chef has been an advocate for reopening Texas, even visiting the White House on May 18 for a discussion on restaurant industry recovery with President Donald Trump and other restaurateurs. Gemelle is now taking reservations for dining, with customer temperature checks upon arrival. Visit for pizza, pastas and frozen Aperol spritz.

Glorias Latin CuisineThe Salvadorian-style restaurant, which has locations in Colleyville and Fort Worth's Montgomery Plaza, is one of many eateries offering a QR code for patrons to scan on their phones as a contactless option for viewing menus. Patio dining is popular on the widely spaced tables for mojitos, margaritas, and favorites like ceviche tostadas and carne asada with black beans and fried plantains.

Heim BarbecueOnly the River District location of the barbecue haven is open for patio dining right now, and so far hours are only Friday through Sunday, weather permitting. The expansive deck, dotted with Adirondack chairs and picnic tables, offers window service to the full bar inside. Patrons will find even more outdoor seating in Heims lawn area with additional picnic tables shaded by umbrellas. Go for brisket mac and cheese, banana pudding, and TX Whiskey on tap.

HG Sply Co.The riverfront views are calling at this Westbend favorite, where the patio boasts both covered and open air spaced out seating options perfect for a sunset toast. Have phones ready to scan the QR code for menu viewing. The healthy living restaurant is popular for those following nutritional lifestyles like Whole30, paleo, vegetarian, vegan and more but folks of all dietary desires can find something to devour.

Hookers GrillThat classic country music heard on West Exchange Avenue is coming from the speakers at Hookers Grill, a patio-only destination with two levels of outdoor seating. The order-at-the-counter burger joint is open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, offering cold beer, wine, and lots of smiles from the Hooker family staff members behind the kitchen window. Picnic tables are comfortably spaced apart, so theres plenty of room to spread out and devour the signature burger pressed with grilled onions.

Joe T. GarciasPandemic or not, the line remains strong at this outdoor dining mecca, which is currently operating at less than 25 percent capacity but is still drawing dozens. Best bet for grabbing a table is to visit during off-peak times, such as mid-afternoon or later in the evening. Patio hours (and curb-side pick-up) are 11 am to 8 pm Sunday through Thursday, and 11 am to 9 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Los Vaqueros StockyardsThe Stockyards staple has opened its expansive outdoor garden area, with its lush canopies and covered seating, for dining Wednesday through Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Go for Cisneros family favorites like sour cream chicken enchiladas and the chicken salad-stuffed avocado. Theres also live music every Friday and Saturday night a plus while concerts are almost non-existent right now.

Piattello Italian KitchenOverlooking the greenspace at Waterside, Marcus Paslays Italian eatery opened its patio (and inside dining) just this weekend to the delight of patrons. Visit for lovely favorites like fried squash blossoms with house-made ricotta, panzanella salad and lobster ravioli. Make reservations to ensure a spot.

Piola Italian Restaurant and GardenThe elegant patio of this hidden West Fort Worth favorite is now open, but just Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings for dinner to start. Go for bruschetta, lobster bisque, caprese salad, and crme brulee. Pair with Italian prosecco and toast to dining al fresco.

Rodeo GoatBurger cravings can be quelled at this Cultural District go-to for cult favorites like the Chaca Oaxaca with chorizo, queso fresco, and a fried egg; and the whiskey burger with candied bacon and blackberry compote. The wide-open patio provides for picnic table seating and plenty of sunshine. Wash it all down with some Moontang, a potent moonshine-spiked, Tang-tinged libation.

Rogers RoundhouseThe sprawling Rogers Road restaurant was popular for its spacious patio with plenty of room to social distance long before COVID-19. Now its open again, serving everything from burgers and wings to tacos and weekend brunch. Dont forget the Curlys Frozen Custard for dessert.

South Side RamblerThe former La Zona on West Magnolia Avenue is now South Side Rambler, a brand new restaurant and bar that opened May 18 offering a pet- and kid-friendly patio with brightly colored picnic tables, umbrellas and Adirondack chairs. Big selling points include more than 40 beer taps and regular live music along with a lengthy menu of American favorites, including an Atlantic lobster roll. Night owls will appreciate the later hours South Side Rambler is open from 11 am until midnight during the week and until 2 am Friday and Saturday.

Sushi AxiomThe Montgomery Plaza location of this Fort Worth favorite is experiencing newfound life as an outdoor dining destination. Set under the plazas twinkling string lights and with views of passersby, the sushi destination is an under-the-radar option for dining and imbibing outside with a lengthy list of rolls, fresh sashimi, and colorful martinis.

The Bearded LadyLook for the South Main Street gastropub to open its dining room and patio on Wednesday, just in time for the holiday weekend. Seating areas some covered and some shaded by umbrellas are sparsely spread amid gravel-covered ground and provide for views of the growing Near Southside retail and restaurant district. Nosh on whole fried okra and two-handed sandwiches, and stay refreshed with cocktails like vodka cherry limeade.

Winslows Wine CafThe Camp Bowie Boulevard neighborhood favorite plans to open its dining room and patio at 25 percent occupancy on May 19, but asks that patrons keep their visit to no more than an hour-and-a-half. Winslows patio is like a cozy backyard, with cushioned furniture, potted plants and floral, and coveted seating around a picturesque fire pit. Go for wood-fired pizza, house-made pasta, and plenty of rose. UPDATE: Winslow's said in a Facebook post on May 19 that it will continue curbside service only for the time-being.

Woodshed SmokehouseWith views of the Trinity River trails and comfortably spaced picnic tables and seating nooks, Tim Loves barbecue joint is perhaps one of the most popular pandemic patios right now. Temperatures are checked at the door, so customers should be prepared for a quick forehead reading. Barbecue ranges from traditional to new Q including ramen and tacos.

More:
These popular Fort Worth patios have reopened for dining al fresco - culturemap.com

The City of Port Coquitlam is paying for businesses to expand their patios.

The new program includes everything from restaurants to breweries.

Mayor Brad West says the city has $50,000 set aside for businesses to use.

It all comes from the citys preexisting budget, said West. So theres no impact on taxpayers.

He says theyre using the citys construction company to do the heavy lifting, creating jobs for city workers as well.

We may not have the ability to do beautiful works of art, but certainly nothing is off the table, said West.

Whether its constructing patios, a deck, tables, whatever it might look like.

Story continues below advertisement

It comes as the province has made it easy for businesses to apply to make their liquor or food serving areas bigger, in an effort to promote physical distance.

[ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates ]

West says it just makes sense to invest in local businesses.

Its not only a way to make sure people can stay safe and the appropriate distancing requirements, its also a way to add to the long-term vibrancy of this community.

The city will also be waiving expansion fees at the municipal level.

West says several businesses have already taken advantage of the program, and hes hoping many more reach out.

If that $50,000 starts to run short, then well allocate more resources towards it, said West. What a great problem to have investing in businesses.

View original post here:
Port Coquitlam offering free construction for businesses expanding their patios - Globalnews.ca

MADISON, Ohio Saturday marked a new beginning for wineries in Ohios Grand River Valley.

Many reopened their patios for the first time since the states shutdown.

At Grand River Cellars in Madison, there was even a special ceremony to mark a blessing of the vines.

In recent weeks, staff was concerned that cold weather could hurt the plants.

That did not appear to happen.

Beautiful weather only added to a bright outlook.

Quinn Marti chartered a bus with friends and family to enjoy the day.

It feels good to be out, he said. We talk about social distancing, which is great, but being social is even better--you need that.

Cindy Lindberg of Grand River put out only half her tables to allow for social distancing. Her employees wore masks and gloves.

She said wine sales had been strong throughout quarantine, as she welcomed people back for sit down meals.

I think that when everything got shut down all of a sudden it was like, Oh my gosh, I miss it so much, she said. I think it just made you realize everything that you truly have and how lucky we are that we have what we have.

Across the country, wine sales are up by nearly 40%.

Read this article:
Patios reopen at wineries in Ohio's Grand River Valley - WKYC.com

Karen Geiger, owner of Anthony's Salon in Green Township, sanitizes her salon on Thursday, May 14, 2020. After being shut down for weeks to battle the pandemic, Anthonys will open at 9 a.m. on Friday with extended hours and strict new rules. (Photo: Meg Vogel/ The Enquirer)

Today in Ohio, you can enjoy a meal or a beer on a restaurant patio.

And finally finally you can get that haircut you so desperately need.

After being shut down for weeks to battle the novel coronavirus pandemic, Ohio is moving forward with its plan to slowly reopen the states economy.

Nonessential retail stores reopened on Tuesday.

Today, hair and nail salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors, spas and outdoor dining get their turn.

I have been working on reopening ever since the day we closed, said Karen Geiger, owner of Anthonys Salon in Green Township.

Anthonys will open at 9 a.m. on Friday with extended hours, but like at many salons throughout the state, there are strict new rules. The salon is operating at 50% capacity, using five stations instead of 10.

Masks are required for employees and clients (Geiger has free, disposable masks if anyone comes without).

Karen Geiger, owner of Anthony's Salon in Green Township, said I have been working on reopening ever since the day we closed.(Photo: Meg Vogel/ The Enquirer)

Clients are asked to come alone and wait outside for their appointments. Theyll get their temperature taken and hands sanitized.

Payments are supposed to be by credit card, if possible.

And, at least for a short while, Anthonys isnt doing shampoos or blow dries, asking instead for clients to come with their hair already clean.

Were going to get some people who are going to think this is the craziest thing ever, Geiger said, but my staff knows, and I want our clients to know, that their safety and our safety is the No. 1 priority. I dont want anybody to get sick here.

Karen Geiger, owner of Anthony's Salon in Green Township, sanitizes her salon on Thursday, May 14, 2020. After being shut down for weeks to battle the pandemic, Anthonys will open at 9 a.m. on Friday with extended hours and strict new rules. (Photo: Meg Vogel/ The Enquirer)

The novel coronavirus has killed more than 1,400 people in Ohio, and Gov. Mike DeWine and Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton have cautioned that just because the economy is starting to reopen does not mean the virus has gone away.

In fact, an Enquirer analysis of Cincinnatis daily coronavirus reports found that the 14-day average of new reported cases is as high as its ever been.

But, with 1.1 million unemployment claims in Ohio since mid-March, many are eager to see stores and restaurants back open for business.

Perhaps the best thing will be for everyone to try to take care of each other, said Rhonda DeWine, who owns Salon Rhonda on the Hyde Park square. DeWine is married to Ohio Supreme Court Justice Pat DeWine, who is Gov. Mike DeWine's son.

Salon Rhonda is following many of the same precautions as other salons masks, extra sanitizing, social distancing, staggered appointments and contactless payments via smartphone apps. But aside from all that, Rhonda DeWine said, people need to check themselves before they go out. And if they have any symptoms, they need to just stay home.

Salon Rhonda has been freshly painted and sanitized in anticipation of reopening. Its spotless right now, said owner Rhonda DeWine. Basically, it looks like the day I opened it.(Photo: Provided)

Just use common sense, she said. I hope I dont have to tell you, if you have a fever, dont come into my hair salon.

Since the date for salons reopening was announced, DeWines phone has been ringing nonstop, she said. Wednesday morning, her voicemail was full, and by 10:45 a.m. that day, she had already taken 45 calls for appointments.

Im looking at probably doing nothing with my life other than cutting hair for the next couple weeks, she said. People Ive never spoken to are like, Oh, my God, I have to have a haircut.

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The National Weather Service is forecasting rain and thunderstorms for Friday.

And on Saturday, more rain and thunderstorms.

And on Sunday?

You guessed it. Rain and thunderstorms.

So, its possible the weather will put a damper on restaurants and bars trying to reopen patio service.

If it rains, that would be really unfortunate, said Jean-Franois Flechet, the Taste of Belgium owner who is scrambling to figure out how to open his locations in Over-the-Rhine, The Banks and at the Rookwood Commons in Norwood.

Flechet has applied with the city to have expanded patio seating at his restaurants part of a plan to take portions of some streets to allow for more outdoor seating but hes not sure if approval on that as well as rental contracts for extra tables will come through in time.

Regardless, Taste of Belgiums patios at Rookwood Commons and The Banks will be open, and Taste of Belgium will be doing carryout from those locations as well, just like it has throughout the pandemic.

The restaurants will have limited menus, Flechet said, since its basically like starting from scratch with inventory.

Everything is very last minute, he said. The governor last week took everybody by surprise, so were trying to see what we can do to make it happen.

Taste of Belgium is placing signs at its restaurants to remind diners of the new rules.(Photo: Provided)

On one hand, Flechet is excited to reopen. On the other, hes wary of restaurants new role in policing social distancing and other health requirements. At Taste of Belgium, that means only one person per party should visit the hostess stand to check in. Customers should wait outside until their table is ready and wear masks until theyre seated.

When people dont want to follow those rules, Flechet isnt sure how its going to go.

The whole concept of hospitality is changing, he said. Before, our attitude toward the guest was, The answer is, Yes. What is the question? And we can no longer do that. We need to be there to enforce the rules and some people dont like that.

Betsy Eicher, left, with her brother-in-law Randy Reichelderfer at their Urban Grill food truck. Urban Grill also has a sit-down restaurant on Main Street in Newtown.(Photo: The Enquirer/ Liz Dufour)

Betsy Eicher is also concerned about restaurants new role as enforcers. But the owner of Urban Grill in Newtown feels prepared and ready to go for Friday.

Urban Grill has two covered decks, so Eicher is not worried about the weather.

And the decks are spacious enough that, even with social distancing requirements, Eicher thinks she can seat about 40% of her usual capacity.

Per Ohios guidelines, groups are limited to 10, and Eicher plans to only take one group that large per evening, reserved in advance and paid upfront.

The rest of the tables will be first-come, first served.

Customers will be asked to wait in their cars until their table is ready, but they can get a drink at the bar that has been moved outside.

Eicher is excited to reopen, and she thinks diners are going to be eager, too.

Weve been getting a lot of emails, a lot of requests for the big table, she said. Ive already had to turn people down, even my sister.

LaRosa's Pizzeria(Photo: The Enquirer/Jennie Key)

Just like with retail stores, many of which remained closed even after they were allowed to reopen on Tuesday, some salons and restaurants are choosing to wait it out.

Susan Selzer, co-owner of Arthurs pub in Hyde Park, said she probably wont open on Friday if it rains.

And LaRosa's Pizzeria restaurants, which have been doing well with carryout and delivery, will open sometime after Memorial Day.

Were not in a big hurry, said CEO Mike LaRosa. We want to ease into it and do it safely.

Spruce Nail Shop in Over-the-Rhine is planning to open its books on May 18 for appointments starting June 1, according to its Facebook page.

And while no one answered the phone at multiple Great Clips locations in Greater Cincinnati on Wednesday, a company spokeswoman said the stores will be opened over the next week or two as staff are trained on new policies and procedures.

A voicemail at some of the stores says theyll be reopening on Sunday.

The message reminds customers theyll have to wait outside or in their car until its their turn for a cut.

Please bring a mask, it says. We look forward to safely serving you.

What is reopening on Friday?

Hair salons, barbershops, day spas, nail salons, tanning salons, and tattoo and body piercing parlors are all allowed to open on Friday, as are outdoor areas at bars and restaurants.

Will everything be open?

No. Just like with retail, some owners might have a plan to open later. If youre planning to visit a specific place, its best to call ahead. With salons, many arent taking walk-ins, anyway.

If its food youre after, The Enquirer has a list of bars and restaurants whose patios will be open for business on Friday.

Can I eat inside at a restaurant?

No.

Friday is for patio dining only. Indoor dining in Ohio reopens on May 21.

Do I need to wear a mask?

Maybe.

Masks in Ohio are recommended for customers but not required. Still, the rules could vary at a particular location, and some may require masks.

Masks for employees are required, but there are exceptions.

What about Kentucky?

Kentucky's schedule for reopening is different than Ohio's. Retail stores in Kentucky open on May 20 followed by restaurants on May 22. Restaurants can open at 33% of capacity indoors but unlimited capacity outdoors provided social distancing guidelines are met.

However, for Northern Kentucky residents, there is nothing to stop them from visiting stores, restaurants and salonsin Ohio.

Anything else I need to know?

Social distancing is still mandatory in Ohio, meaning there should be at least six feet between people at all times. That will mean new rules and norms. Businesses will likely be taking extra precautions, and that means you may have to wait a little longer for a table or a haircut.

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Salons and restaurant patios are open today in Ohio. Heres what you need to know. - The Cincinnati Enquirer

Royal Docks Brewing Co. in Canton got its online ordering platform for food and beer rolled out just one day after being required to shut down because of the pandemic. That, coupled with a markdown of six- and four-packs, led to strong to-go sales. But that revenue only goes so far. In recent weeks, the carryout activity has died down.

Royal Docks laid off 62 of its 72 employees but has since hired some folks back, thanks to a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan. It plans to reopen the patio at its flagship brewhouse, but losses have been steep. The brewery destroyed "quite a bit" of beer, founder John Bikis said, including some "heavy-hitter brands" like Backyard Crusher, because only so much could be packaged at once. A surplus built up without restaurants, stadiums and events buying kegs. About 200 barrels worth of Backyard Crusher alone went down the drain none of which is covered by insurance.

It's upsetting for Bikis, whose business was named one of the fastest-growing breweries in the country in 2018. Since then, Royal Docks has expanded into its Brewhouse + Cannery adjacent to its flagship facility which features a large event space that Bikis estimated has lost at least $200,000 so far in canceled parties for weddings and graduations and opened a satellite bar/restaurant at the Akron-Canton Airport. The grand opening of its latest facility, the Foeder House + Kitchen, developed as part of the downtown Akron Bowery redevelopment project, is being pushed back to early June at the soonest.

Royal Docks' flagship brewhouse has sizable outdoor seating, and Bikis procured a tent in hopes guests will come even if it's raining. More important are the myriad safety precautions being put in place, of course. Bikis remains anxious about how reopening could go.

"We're trying to open and do so in a meaningful, safe way with the uncertainty of not knowing who's going to come out, how many people we will be able to host and whether it'll be enough to pay bills and the staff that'll be there," he said. "We've made it to this point, but what worries me is the uncertainty and the unknowns of how customers are going to react."

A couple days before opening on May 15, Bikis said there was still a lot to sort out, particularly with optional guidelines. He feels plastic barriers won't do much good and is forgoing those inside. But a contactless menu and ordering system that works with smartphones has been developed.

Customer behavior is something that concerns him.

"What if someone is shaking hands, or hugging, or moves a chair placed in one location to another because they want to be closer to someone? It's difficult for business owners and staff because there's a fine line of telling people how to behave," he said. "It's a dilemma."

Bikis said Royal Docks has been making about 35%-40% of what it normally would in recent months. He'll feel fortunate to make half as much this month as he did in May 2019.

As with others, May 15 is a litmus test for how reopening indoors May 21 could work and a gauge for whether it could be financially worthwhile.

"At the end of the day," Bikis said, "we have the green light to be open, and we're in a business of being open, so we're going to open. And that means taking all the necessary precautions to be safe for everyone."

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Craft brewers weigh pros and cons of relaunching patios, taprooms - Crain's Cleveland Business

Some restaurant patrons took advantage of the first day to dine outside Friday in downtown Kent.

Although quite a few restaurants had outdoor tables set up for diners, only a few establishments had diners around lunchtime.

Paninis in Kent, which is known for outdoor dining predating COVID-19 that features an indoor/outdoor bar and an outdoor fireplace in the winter, seemed to have the most traffic in Kent and Ravenna around lunchtime Friday.

"Opening day was so exciting so we just had to take part," said Kent State University student Gretchen Schurman, who dined with two friends. "Going out to eat is a big part of our lives."

Andy Somich, general manager at Paninis in Kent, acknowledged that the restaurants history of outdoor dining probably helped bolster traffic.

"Everyone says we have the best patio around," he said, adding it has 26 outdoor tables after accounting for social distancing. "We probably took about 10 to 12 tables out of there."

He said traffic "was very steady out of the gate. We opened up at 11 oclock. People were just starving to get outside to a restaurant."

Carl Picelle, owner of the Franklin Square Deli, said hes been offering carry-out food throughout the business shut-down, but hes happy to be open so business can gear up again.

"Weve been moderately busy," he said. "Our community supported us pretty well. Weve been going for 38 years."

Mike Mikula was among the outdoor diners at the Franklin Avenue Deli around lunchtime.

"We were in Kent and decided to come down and get a sandwich from Carl," he said, referring to himself as "one of the endangered species."

He also said he has confidence Picelle has taken all the necessary safety precautions to make sure he and other diners are as safe as possible.

Sandy Knotek, owner of Tavern 1888 in Ravenna, said she was prepared well ahead of time for outdoor service to begin.

"Weve been ready and waiting," she said earlier this week. "Ive already done all the precautionary stuff we have to do."

Others in Kent arent opening yet, including Barflyy, according to general manager AliviaBrisbin.

"We are actually not open today," she said Friday morning. "Were kind of playing it by ear to see how busy downtown is and to see if we can have enough work to pay our bills and our employees."

Don Smith, owner of Mimis Italian Grill and Bar in Ravenna, said he had a couple small parties one for six and one for two scheduled for Friday evening but hadnt yet reopened the restaurant for outdoor dining. Instead, he plans to open May 21.

Mimis has been offering carry-out and delivery to older diners since the stay-at-home order was issued.

"We were vacillating when this first started, but I was afraid if we shut down wed never get open again," he said. "Weve done OK. I appreciate everything the community has done."

Carry-out diners have been particularly generous, tipping for a service that usually wouldnt merit a tip, he added.

"I think were gonna be swamped when this thing opens up," he added. "I think people are tired of [the stay-at-home order]."

Reporter Bob Gaetjens can be reached at 330-620-8786, bgaetjens@recordpub.comor @bobgaetjens_rpc.

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Diners take to the patios - Record-Courier