top of page

Survival of the fittest: restaurants stay flexible and optimistic

  • Natalie Pollock
  • Sep 30, 2020
  • 7 min read

All sectors of the economy are feeling the sting of COVID-19. In New York City, restaurants will not be allowed to open for business indoors until September 30 and have been relying solely on takeout, those that are still operating. Many will close. However, in Connecticut takeout and outdoor dining have helped food businesses survive, and some are seeing more diners willing to eat inside lately. Owners are preparing for possible changes in the colder months.


Chris Prosperi, chef-owner of Metro Bis in Simsbury, said, “We have no complaints, considering the effects of the pandemic. We have enough business.”

But what does that mean? How much is enough?

“We can’t complain because we are grateful that we are doing enough business to survive and get to the other side. Unfortunately, we are not hearing that from some of our colleagues,” he said.


On a recent rainy night he was expecting that no one would show, but to his surprise many of his customers with reservations moved inside.


“It was the first time for some of them. They saw people eating inside so they thought they’d try it. Our dining room was full inside, but we only set half the tables because they were six to 10 feet apart,” said Prosperi.


He is hoping that this willingness to brave eating indoors shows that the comfort level of diners is going up.


In addition to offering outdoor and takeout service for several months, he is beginning to see the return of some catering for events. Families and parties of 8 to 10 people are requesting separate rooms where the doors can be closed to the rest of the restaurant, and people can feel as though they are at home.


“We have a 125-person banquet room but now we can only fit 25 people because the [state] has restricted us to no more than 25 inside. Outside we can seat 100 with the patio and tent. Lots of places are struggling. We are just paying our bills and doing the best anyone can do,” he said.


Metro Bis has been in business in a variety of locations in Simsbury for 22 years, and Prosperi has never had to lay off employees until now.

“There’s not enough business for everyone. We have laid off not quite half of our staff, mostly part-timers and kept the core staff. We are doing about 70 to 80 percent of our regular business,” he said.


The Connecticut Restaurant Association, a lobbying group for the industry, has been pushing for increasing the percentage allowed for indoor dining, and the state’s restaurants support the effort.


“But if there is a problem [leading to an increase of COVID cases], we would get shut down completely. Courtney [his wife and partner] and I are huge rule followers. This pandemic period has heightened the need for that, so we are following the rules to the letter. We are lucky to be in Connecticut because the state is doing what it should be doing, and the numbers are so low because of that,” said Prosperi.


He pointed out that restaurant operators and staff are tested every two years and are required to take classes regularly to make sure restaurants are safe and clean, a condition of doing business that existed before COVID.


According to Prosperi, “restaurants are one of the largest employers in the country,” providing jobs for 160-170,000 people. It is anyone’s guess how many of those jobs will come back after COVID.


Tony Camillieri, chef-owner of the new Toro Loco restaurant in Farmington, reported that he is achieving 60 to 65 percent of sales now, but his business only opened eight months ago so there are no sustained figures available for comparison yet.


With a Spanish-Mexican menu and outdoor patio seating overlooking a picturesque pond, the restaurant has been offering outside and takeout service with inside tables for overflow. He can accommodate 50 to 60 customers outside with six feet of separation.


“People are beginning to sit inside and seem more comfortable doing that. We have two heaters so far and will be getting more, but they are hard to get,” said Camillieri.


He wants to see what will result from the school year opening. If there is not a major increase in COVID cases in the area and the state, then he believes people will embrace indoor eating again, but with masks and social distancing as mandated by the state.


The restaurant is also in the process of getting plexiglass partitions fabricated for separating tables, adding to the tops of booths, and delineating eating areas at the bar. Delivery, he estimates, will be in a month or so.


“We are doing the best we can. It’s a long road to get back to 100 percent in sales. The state can regulate whatever, but we want people to feel comfortable. We are trying to make people happy,” said Camillieri.


Danny Keller, owner of Dish-n-Dat in Canton, which moved last November to a new location on Route 44 after 10 years at the Shops of the Farmington Valley, still offers all-day breakfast in addition to all-American fare for lunch and dinner. About 50 percent of his sales are in takeout and his total number of sales is off by 30 percent.


“We are hoping people will move in to eat. Some already are. [If the state restaurant lobby will be successful in reducing the 50 percent requirement inside] - depends on back to school results. September will tell,” said Keller.


He plans to keep his heaters going outside as long as possible and is counting on a loyal following to continue dining outdoors even in the colder weather.


“I would love to open the bar too. I have lost a lot of business there. Right now, I am operating with a limited staff. About 20 percent opted not to return to work after the lockdown,” said Keller.


The Hartford Restaurant Group, parent company of the Wood-n-Tap restaurant in Farmington, has seven restaurants open in the Hartford area, including the former Apricots location on Route 4, which they recently renovated, creating a large outdoor area overlooking the Farmington River. Their business in Hartford is currently closed for renovation and the new Enfield location has not yet opened.


Spokesperson Mary Ellen Fillo explained, “We are talking with officials about whether heaters are allowed under tent with flaps. We have tried to be so creative, but we are prisoners to the weather.”


The ownership and staff have been involved in ongoing meetings to come up with the most effective plans for an inside layout of tables that meet all the guidelines. Now the indoor space can accommodate 50 percent of the original 275 seats. They are also supporting the Connecticut Restaurant Association to increase that 50 percent limit.


“We don’t know what October or beyond is going to bring in terms of maximum capacity. And as we have done for the past six months, we will do our best to be safe, follow the rules, and be creative in order to keep business going and keep our guests safe and satisfied,” she said.

She pointed out that according to Farmington’s restaurant manager Mike Mauro, “there is already a sustained [lobbying] push on takeout food and drinks that will probably escalate. There are already Booze-n-Out cocktail kits being sold that include all the ingredients necessary to make Wood-n-Tap cocktails [at home].”


Fillo was not able to estimate current sales since the Farmington restaurant opened last October and does not have a full year of figures for comparison. And she added that the current year’s sales numbers will be skewed because of the impact of COVID.

“All restaurant businesses are struggling. We are hoping for some wiggle room,” said Fillo.

Richard Rosenthal, owner of Max a Mia and ten other Max Restaurant Group businesses, would like the state to loosen its 50 percent limit on indoor dining but is not optimistic this will happen soon.


“We want them to stick to the six-foot rule but not 50 percent. Plastic shields will allow us to fit possibly more than 50 percent [of original seats]. If two booths are back-to-back the seating can be within six feet. If the 50 percent is applied to the whole restaurant then there will be less. I am praying more people will want to eat during the day too,” he said.


The Max restaurants are prepared with propane heaters, but these are not allowed for use under a tent with four sides by the state. Only a three-sided tent can be used with heaters inside. Rosenthal is considering the use of blowers to blow heat into the tents from outside heaters.


If Connecticut’s incidence of COVID-19 case does not increase significantly then he thinks guests would feel more comfortable eating inside. His restaurants already have a brisk takeout business, so Rosenthal is counting on more in the colder months. Combining takeout, outside seating and limited inside meals, Max a Mia is achieving 75 percent of sales.

“But we have more expenses now too. There’s the tent, [disposable] gloves, face masks. Takeout requires more help because of a shorter time frame [to prep] and the paper products. We do not have a lot of liquor sales not, and there’s third-party delivery charges,” he said.

Even at his Florida restaurant in Palm Beach Garden, which has a large outdoor area, he is only achieving 50 percent in sales because the high rate of COVID cases there is discouraging potential customers.


“There are less people going out and more COVID spikes. Florida has had a huge spike the last two months. Guests who are generally cautious and safe have started to stay home. Those ages 50 to 75 don’t eat indoors. And a lot of them won’t eat outside,” said Rosenthal.

He describes recently seeing a couple in a parking lot on folding chairs having a picnic outside of the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, where he also has a restaurant. They were in their sixties.


Although he has had a thriving catering business, his restaurants have only served one small wedding this summer. There have been no other catered events, except for the farm dinners his chef creates at the Rosedale Farm in Simsbury, and there have been less diners at those.

Rosenthal is grateful there have been no heavy rainy days so far, only spurts of showers.

“Even at 80 percent of sales, restaurants are not making a profit,” he said. VL

 
 
NUCOAT_8865.jpg

Valley Happenings

Fit for a Lifetime races

Fit for a Lifetime Choose Your Race to benefit a sports program for individuals with a disability. March 29, starting at 8 a.m. Farmington River Trail, 350 Collinsville Road, Unionville. Several races, fees vary. https://fitforalifetime.itsyourrace.com/

Earth Day celebration

Flamig Farm, 7 Shingle Mill Road, is having their annual Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 26 from 9 to 5 p.m. (rain date April 27) with discounted admission of $5 per person (under 2 is free). 860-658-5070 or www.Flamingfarm.com

Tunxis Senior Citizens meeting

Tunxis Senior Citizens Association’s monthly meeting, featuring Bunny Bingo. Monday April 8. Community Center, 321 New Britain Ave., Unionville. Meeting at 1:30 with introduction, followed by six games of Bingo and then refreshments. $1 for admission and $3 per pack of papers. $20 gift certificates to local grocery stores will be awarded to bingo winners. Call the  860-675-4770 to learn about membership.

April at Hill-Stead Museum

• Art of Shearing, Sunday, April 6-10 a.m., Sheep Shearing, fiber artists, vendors, free hayrides. $20 carload.

• On view through April 27, visit The Arethusa Collection From Italian Renaissance to Contemporary British Art to see the private collection of Tony Yurgaitis, owner of Arethusa Farm.

Visit hillstead.org for more details.

Garden club event

CANTON – Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a presentation on “Floral Mechanics:  Past, Present, Future for Eco-Friendly Floral Designs.” Tuesday, April 8, 11 a.m. at 40 Dyer Avenue. Open to the public. $5 guest fee for non-club members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

The SpongeBob Musical

Favarh Players presents The SpongeBob Musical, April 4, 5 at 7 pm; April 6 at 1 p.m. at Northwest Catholic School, 29 Wampanoag Drive, West Hartford. Cost: $15 per person. Tickets: favarh.org/theater

2025 Walker’s Cup: Honoring Women in International Showjumping

The Ethel Walker School invites the community to the Second Walker’s Cup on Sunday, April 13, a day of friendly equestrian competition and celebration. This year’s event highlights the achievements of U.S. women in international showjumping and honors the female athletes who have paved the way. Opening ceremony begins at 9:15 a.m., followed by a warm-up round and two rounds of competition. A closing ceremony and victory gallop conclude the day at 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact Ken Whelihan at kwhelihan@ethelwalker.org.

Community Breakfast w/Easter Bunnny

AVON – Community Breakfast with the Easter Bunny & Egg Hunt, 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, Memorial United Methodist Church, 867 West Avon Road. Details, times at avonmumc.org, 860-673-2111.

Author Luncheon in Avon
AVON – The Friends of the Avon Free Public Library present New York Times honored author, J. Courtney Sullivan, on Friday, April 25 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Farmington Polo Club located at 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington. Tickets are $50 per person. Download an Author Luncheon Reservation form at  https://www.avonctlibrary.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/new-Author-Luncheon-2025-Reservation-form-2-9-25-1.pdf.

 

At the Farmington Libraries

The following programs are offered by The Farmington Libraries. Except where noted, programs take place at the main library, 6 Monteith Drive. Register for programs at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

• Cake Candle Decorating! Thursday, April 3 at 6 p.m. 12 and up Register at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

• History of Beauty & Cosmetics - Thursday, April 10 at 1 p.m. Register at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

• Paths to Autistic Empowerment. Presenter Jeremy Farrell encourages attendees to think critically about the benefits of open communication and self-advocacy for their lives and the lives of those around them. Thursday, April 17 at 6 p.m. Register at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

 

Canton Community Health Fund

CANTON – Canton Community Health Fund, Inc.Community Partner grants/ Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship and Pay It Forward Scholarships for graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety. www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.

Word Art at Gallery on the Green

CANTON  – Gallery on the Green’s Word Art, plus Solo Shows by Renée and Patrick Hughes and Peggy Stosz, takes place through Saturday, April 19. In “Word Art” visual artists create a work of art that is inspired by prose or poetry, while writers create new work in response to visual art. On Saturday, April 5 from 7 to 10 p.m. authors will read aloud. The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. http://www.galleryonthegreen.org or call  860-693-4102

Easter Bunny at Westfarms

FARMINGTON – At Westfarms the Easter Bunny will greet visitors in Bunnyville – a three-dimensional town for kids to explore through April 19. Located on the shopping center’s lower level in the Center Court, Bunnyville features many places to visit. For more information or to make a reservation at https://shopwestfarms.com/

Welcoming Hummingbirds

AVON – The Garden Club of Avon presents Welcoming Hummingbirds to your Yard and Garden with Catie Resor on Monday, April 21 at the Church of St. Ann, Father Bennett Hall, 289 Arch Road. Guests are welcome for a light lunch at 12 p.m. with the presentation starting at 1 p.m.  Reservations are required, the guest fee is $15 payable at the door with cash or check. Spots must be reserved by April 15 by emailing thegardenclubofavon@gmail.com.

All For Girls Summer Academy

Providing a summer of academic discovery, The Ethel Walker School’s All For Girls Summer Academy is where curiosity meets exploration and fun. Our vibrant in-person program for grades 5-8 is an immersive learning experience on campus, while grades 9 and 10 connect and collaborate in online spaces. Learn more, register at www.ethelwalker.org/summer.

Program on Stress and Disease

SIMSBURY – Stress and Disease with Dr. Wendy Hurwitz takes place Wednesday, April 23, 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. To register, call 860-658-7663 or visit: https://simsbury.librarycalendar.com/event/rescheduled-stress-disease-w-dr-wendy-hurwitz-54826

Friends of the Simsbury Public
Library Spring Author Luncheon

SIMSBURY – The Friends of the Simsbury Public Library will hold it 2025 Annual Author Luncheon on Tuesday, May 6 from 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Hop Meadow Country Club in Simsbury. This year’s featured author is critically-acclaimed author Claire Messud, who will discuss her latest award-winning historical novel, This Strange Eventful History. Cost is $38 per person.  Please RSVP by April 8. Seating cannot be guaranteed. Sorry no refunds. Register on-line at www.simsburylibrary.info or pick up a reservation form at the library’s reference desk, or call 860-658-7663.

11th Annual Memory Walk

WINDSOR – On Sunday, May 4, Mary’s Place, A Center for Grieving Children and Families will host its 12th Annual Memory Walk at Northwest Park; 145 Lang Road, Windsor at 9:30 a.m. Register at www.marysplacect.org/memory-walk

 

National Day of Prayer event

AVON – There will be a National Day of Prayer Event held at Carmon Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon, Thursday, May 1 from 8 to 9 a.m. The theme this year is “Pour out to the God of Hope and Be Filled” from Romans 15:13 (ESV)

Tag, Bake sale

CANTON – The North Canton United Methodist Church, 3 Case St. North Canton, will hold a tag and bake sale April 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. Early birds 8 a.m., $10 entry. Free after 9 a.m.

Tunxis Ladies 9-Hole Golf League

FARMINGTON – Tunxis Ladies 9-Hole Golf League. Thursday mornings at Tunxis County Club starting in May. Visit https://www.tunxisgolf.com/ or call 860- 202-0957 or email jco13142@gmail.com

Old school house open house

AVON – The Avon Historical Society welcomes the public to an now annual family friendly OPEN HOUSE of the 1865 Pine Grove Schoolhouse, 3 Harris Road on Sunday, May 4 from 1 – 4 p.m.  After that it will be open to the public every Sunday through September. Those interested being a Sunday: info@avonhistoricalsociety.org or leave a message at 860-678-7621.

 

Send May listings to
jfitts@turleyct.com by April 7

Have a press release or story idea? Send me a note.

Thanks for submitting!

© 2023 by Train of Thoughts. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page