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

 
 

Valley Happenings

New Story Blooms on Blazer’s Trail

AVON – A new tale is waiting for young readers and nature lovers on Blazer’s Trail. The latest book featured along the trail is “Miss Maple’s Seeds” by Eliza Wheeler—a whimsical and heartwarming story about Miss Maple, who gathers lost seeds and cares for them in her cozy treehouse before sending them off to grow and thrive in the world.

This engaging story walk can be enjoyed along the scenic half-mile loop trail just behind Roaring Brook Elementary School (open to the public outside of school hours). Visitors are kindly reminded to respect the trail and leave no trace. Special thanks go out to the Roaring Brook School PTO for supporting this project.

 

New Exhibit Brings 1775 Avon to Life at the Avon Free Public Library

AVON — The Avon ‘s America 250 Coordinating Committee and the Avon Historical Society invites you to visit “We Are the Sons of Freedom,” a new historical exhibit on display now through the end of May in the Avon Free Public Library’s History Corner.

This exhibit marks the beginning of Avon 250, a multi-year commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the creation of our country. “We Are the Sons of Freedom” explores the lives of Northington (Avon’s colonial name) residents in 1775, highlighting their response to the first shots of the American Revolution in Lexington and Concord. A summary of the exhibit is also available at Digital Farmington/Digital Avon: https://digitalfarmington.org/digital-farmington-project/digital-avon/from-northington-to-revolution-avons-road-to-1776/ .

The exhibit is free and open to the public during library hours. The Avon Free Public Library is located at 281 Country Club Road.

 

Pine Grove Schoolhouse 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 (at the corner of West Avon Road/Route 167) on Sunday, May 4 from 1 – 4 p.m.  After that it will be open to the public every Sunday through September. Anyone interested in volunteering to be a greeter for one Sunday this summer is encouraged to the Society at info@avonhistoricalsociety.org or leave a message at 860-678-7621.

 

May at Hill-Stead Museum

FARMINGTON – Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join Hill-Stead for the annual May Market, featuring premium vendors, flowers and unique plants perfect for Mother’s Day both indoors and outdoors. Shop and enjoy the beautiful grounds during this springtime celebration. $10/day

On View May 15 - June 29, 2025: Castles in the Sky, 2nd Annual Juried Members Exhibition at Hill-Stead Museum featuring artwork from local artists celebrating Theodate Pope Riddle’s passion for dreams, fantasies, and musings.

Visit hillstead.org for more details.

National Day of Prayer Observed

SIMSBURY – Thursday, May 1, 2025 will mark the 74nd annual observance of the National Day of Prayer. Local Simsbury Events on May 1, 2025 are:

Noon – On the front steps of Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow St. (Gathering will be inside Eno in the Youth Room, in the event of rain)

7:30 p.m. – New Life in Christ Fellowship, 250 Firetown Road

For further information, visit: http://nlicf.com/ https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/events/new-gathering or contact: Pastor Dana Jorgensen, 860-658-7320 or Joan Rogers, 860-970-4457

 

Historic Trades of the Revolution

On Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Simsbury Historical Society will be transformed into a vibrant center of colonial era activities during Historic Trades of the Revolution Day. Skilled trades and crafts people dressed in period attire will interact with visitors and use antique and reproduction tools to demonstrate how colonists produced goods and materials immediately before, during, and after the American Revolutionary War.

The circa 1771 Phelps Tavern and homestead will depict life in the late 1700s; tours are included with admission.

The Simsbury Historical Society is located at 800 Hopmeadow St. Parking is available in the main lot at 10 Phelps Lane. Additional free parking is available in nearby municipal lots. Due to its age and historic nature, the Phelps Tavern is not accessible by wheelchair, walker, or stroller. General Admission is $10 per adult or $20 per household. Simsbury Historical Society Member Admission is $5 per adult or $10 per household. Email info@simsburyhistory.org or call 860-658-2500 with any questions.

 

Farmington Valley Chorale concerts

Farmington Valley Chorale presents its Spring concerts for 4- hand piano and choir featuring husband and wife piano duo, Anna and Dmitri Shelest and student choirs from Plainville High School and Canton High School. The two performances are as follows.  Friday, May 2, 8 p.m. at Bethany Covenant Church, 785 Mill Street, Berlin, with student choir from Plainville High School. Saturday, May 3, 8 p.m. at First Church of Christ, 689 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury with student choir from Canton High School.

For ticket information, visit the chorale website at: info@farmingtonvalleychorale.org.

 

A Film screening with Robert Abbott

A film screening with Robert Abbott takes place Saturday, May 3 at 7 p.m., St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely Street (Rte. 177), Avon.

Six-time Emmy award winner and St. Matthew member, Robert Abbott, will be screening his 2018 film “Port of Destiny: Peace,” chronicling former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos’ path to peace in a polarizing political environment. The documentary will be introduced by Robert and followed up by a Q&A.

A suggested donation of $10, will be donated to a peace-seeking organization that is yet to be determined.

 

‘Let’s Kolam- Your Dots Our Delights’

AVON – Agaram Tamil Padasalai, a Tamil heritage language school serving the Farmington Valley area, is hosting a cultural art competition, “Let’s Kolam- Your Dots Our Delights” on May 4, 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Avon Senior Center. This is open to the public with free admission to view the event and a great opportunity to experience the traditional art form that combines art, math, colors and fun. Public can either enter the competition or simply come visit us and experience the event. Senior Center’s public play areas are available for the kids to play after checking out the kolam.” For inquiries: Events24-25@agarampadasalai.com

 

Simsbury Light Opera presents ‘Ruddigore – or the Witch’s Curse’

SIMSBURY – Simsbury Light Opera Company will present Gilbert & Sullivan’s opera, “Ruddigore – or the Witch’s Curse” at Henry James Memorial School in Simsbury.

Dates: April 26 at 7:30 p.m and April 27 at 2 p.m.; May 3 at 7:30 p.m. and  May 4 at 2 p.m.

Tickets in advance: Adult $30 and Seniors/Students $25. Visit sloco.ludus.com to purchase tickets. Visit sloco.org for more information about Simsbury Light Opera

 

Bike Rodeo

CANTON – Join BikeWalkCantonCT, the Canton Police Department & the Canton Parks & Recreation Department for a Bike Rodeo on Saturday, May 3 from 1-3 p.m.

The vent will take place in the field at Canton Intermediate School Parking will be at the Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Ave. Rain date will be Sunday, May 4. Learn bike safety rules, participate in helmet & bike fittings, try out bike courses & so much more. Leo, Canton’s Canine Law Enforcement Officer will also be making an appearance. Helmets are mandatory, and don’t forget to bring your bike as well. Parents will need to remain on site with their children during the event.

Registration for event participants is required, and must be completed by 3 p.m. on Friday, May 2. This event is for Canton kids in grades Pre-K to 6.

Register at https://cantonct.myrec.com/ Find the register tab and click on programs.

 

Pancake Breakfast

SIMSBURY – The Simsbury Lions & Knights of Columbus are having our 33rd annual combined pancake breakfast on Sunday, May 4, from 8 to 11 a.m., at St. Mary’s Parish Center, 946 Hopmeadow St. We are selling several different size placemat advertisements as well as breakfast tickets (Adults-$10, Children under 12-$5, Family of 4-$25), with all proceeds benefitting scholarships. For more information, contact Elaine Giannini at 386-566-1003.

 

Senior Conference, Resource Fair

New Season In Life will host free Senior Conference and Resource Fairs on the following dates:

• May 3 – Valley Community Baptist Church, Avon

• June 12 – Farmington Senior Center

All events will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and free lunch at noon. Call 860-965-8114 to register.

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 Rd, Windsor at 9:30 a.m. Walk with us in memory of your loved one! This moving fundraiser connects families, friends, and the community to support programs at Mary’s Place. Honor the memory of a loved one and help make a difference in the lives of grieving children & families by joining us for this special event. Come and enjoy kids’ crafts, snacks, auctions & more! Register at www.marysplacect.org/memory-walk

 

Plant & Tag sale

CANTON – Cherry Brook Garden Club is holding a Plant & Tag Sale on Saturday, May 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 123 River Road, Canton. The sale will include a variety of shade and sun-loving perennials, houseplants, and flower gifts. Gently used garden-related items will also be for sale during the event. Proceeds from the sale support the club’s civic beautification projects and scholarship fund. Visit www.cherrybrookgardenclub.org for more information about the club.

 

Irises in New England

CANTON – Cherry Brook Garden Club (Canton, CT) is hosting a presentation, Growing Irises in New England, with Ruth Bennett on May 13 at the Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Avenue, Canton.  Her program will emphasize irises hybridized in New England, discuss iris culture, and show how interspecies crosses have given even a wider range of garden plants to choose from. Ruth is a Master Judge for the American Iris Society and a well-known speaker for the CT Flower Show and Federated Garden Clubs of CT. The presentation begins at 11 a.m., and a $5 guest fee is required for non-members of the club. For more information, email cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

Tunxis Seniors Association meeting

FARMINGTON – The Tunxis Seniors Citizens Association will hold their monthly meeting on May 12, at the Community Center, 321 New Britain Avenue, Unionville. We will begin at 1:30 with our traditional introduction then we will be entertained by Tre’ Johnson who has been singing professionally for over 40 years. For more information, call 860-675-2490.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group Offered by Farmington Station takes place May 15, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. This month’s group will be held in person and we will be offering a Dementia Friendly Experience presentation. Groups are held on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

Perennial Plant Sale

AVON – A Perennial Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 8 a.m. to noon in the Church of St. Ann parking lot, located on the corner of West Avon and Arch roads. A variety of plants from members’ gardens will be offered.   Knowledgeable gardeners will be available to answer questions concerning plant selection.

 

Farmington Rotary 5K Trail Race

FARMINGTON – Farmington Rotary’s Annual 5K Trail Race will be held on Sunday, May 18 beginning at 10 am. This year’s race will be held at Winding Trails in Farmington, which has donated the use of their trail. The race course will be on a designated 5k trail inside their 300 acres around Walton Pond.

The Lee Chisholm Award will be presented to the first Farmington resident finishers, male and female. Prize categories include $250 awards for both the male and female First Place winners and $25 awards for top male and female winners in each of the three age categories which include Ages 18 and under, Ages 19-49, and Ages 50 and above. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Farmington/FarmingtonRiverRun5KTrailRace.

Registration is available online and will also take place on the day of the race beginning at 9 a.m. This year’s cost will be $35 plus a $3.60 charge fee. A Waiver and Release must be signed for all runners at sign-in.

For those under 18 years of age, the waiver must be signed by an adult. At the event, Rotary will also collect food donations of boxed or canned items for the Farmington Food Pantry, where they will be available to those in need.

 

Aquarion Water Company Reminds Connecticut Residents to Order Upcycled Rain Barrels

Aquarion Water Company is reminding residents that it is offering upcycled rain barrels for sale as part of its ongoing water conservation efforts.

Connecticut customers can purchase a high-quality, 60-gallon upcycled rain barrel designed to fit under a downspout and catch rainwater running off the roof.  Order barrels online at www.aquarionwater.com/rainbarrels. The cost is $85 and orders must be received by April 21, 2025.

Locally, barrels will be available for pickup Saturday, May 10 at Simsbury Public Works, 66 Town Forest Road, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Farmington Valley Quilt Guild

SIMSBURY — Farmington Valley Quilters will hold their monthly meeting on Wednesday evening, May 21.  The guest speaker, Jill Staubitz, is a weaver, graphic designer and quilter. Jill will present a trunk show of her work. She will be sharing her insights about color, pattern, and the design process as she discusses how the elements of the art of weaving apply to quilting. The meeting is held at Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. Registration opens at 6:30 pm, meeting begins at 7 pm.  Guest fee is $10.00. For more information about the Guild visit our website: https://www.fvquilter.org/

Meditation for Peace and Well Being

Avon Free Public Library presents (Virtual Event) Meditation for Peace and Well Being.

Thursday, May 22, 7 pm. John Bednarik, long time meditator for this deep and engaging meditation, will talk about the journey of finding lasting peace, happiness and a greater sense of well-being. For more information, contact Adult Services Reference Desk avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

 

Music at Greenwood: Elliott Davis

AVON – Virtuoso violinist Elliott Davis will perform five of Eugene Ysayë’s Sonatas for Solo Violin in the second concert of Music at Greenwood’s 2025 season. Join us on Saturday, May 17, at 4 p.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely St. Suggested donation: $10. After the concert, stay to enjoy a reception of light appetizers. For more information about upcoming events, visit us online at https://www.stmatthewavon.org/music-at-greenwood.

 

Show to benefit Avon VFW project

Avon VFW Post 3272 will host a benefit show with the New Orleans style jazz music of Tenpenny Bounce! The show takes place Sunday May 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Avon Sycamore Hill Senior Center. The show will help the post continue to provide essential support for our community’s Afghan refugee family, the Tarins.

Come and meet the family, learn how their first year in America has gone, and enjoy. Free will offering

($10 suggested)

 

Gallery on the Green Presents ‘Member/Guest Exhibition’

CANTON – The public is invited to the Gallery on the Green’s annual “Member/Guest Exhibition” showcasing artists who are members of the Canton Artists Guild and their invited guests.

In a show entitled, “Everyday People,” Kathy Schwartz celebrates the human form and the expression of the human spirit through the lines and shapes of the physical body.

In “Cracked and Crazed” Donna Namnoum, the second solo artist, is exhibiting over thirty ceramic works that incorporate the covered jar and other wheel thrown forms. A free opening reception will be held on Saturday May 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. The gallery is located at 5 Canton Green Road near the intersections of Dowd Ave. and RT. 44. The gallery is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The main floor gallery is handicap accessible. (860) 693-4102; https://www.galleryonthegreen.org

 

Art open house

Local artist,Lori Racicot is hosting an Art Studio Open House on May 3 & 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 43 Farmstead Lane in West Simsbury. Stop by to see Lori’s new paintings, watch her paint and ask questions. For more information, visit LoriRacicot.com.

 

Email event listings to

jfitts@turleyct.com. The deadline

for our June issue is May 6.

ChristCommunity_0525_eighth_.jpg

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