Taking it outside

Some bars, restaurants are planning to open their patios after Walz allows outdoor service

MARSHALL -- Minnesota bars and restaurants still aren't open for indoor dining under updated COVID-19 restrictions announced Wednesday. But Gov. Tim Walz's updates did include some options for outdoor service -- and at least a couple of area businesses say they will be re-opening their patios.

It's not certain how many people will be willing to sit outside in December, but it opens up another possibility for sales, said Wooden Nickel manager Tim Clausen.

"It allows people to at least have a drink legally while they wait for their food," Clausen said.

After hearing Wednesday that outdoor service would be allowed at bars, restaurants and breweries, both the Wooden Nickel in Marshall and the Grandview Valley Winery in Belview posted on Facebook that their patios would be opening this weekend.

"We hope since the forecasted weather is for mid-40s and sunny on Sunday, that people will dress accordingly and come out in support," winery representatives said Wednesday.

But in the long run, what restaurants and bars need is to have normal business again, said Tom Handeland, owner of the Hitching Post in Marshall.

"The big thing would be for everyone to open," Handeland said.

On Wednesday, Gov. Walz announced changes to COVID-19 restrictions affecting businesses across the state. The changes allowed for gyms and fitness studios to re-open for individual exercise at 25% capacity, and for outdoor entertainment venues to open at 25% capacity. However, indoor entertainment venues must remain closed until Jan. 11, and bars, restaurants and breweries must remain closed for indoor dining.

Walz's announcement said bars, restaurants and breweries could open for outdoor service at 50% capacity, or up to 100 people. People being served outdoors will be limited fo four per table, and tables have to be spaced six feet apart. Walz said the move was a recognition that many businesses like breweries have put work into making outdoor service possible.

Some area businesses, like the Wooden Nickel and Grandview Valley Winery, said they were planning to re-open their outdoor patios this weekend. On its Facebook page, the Wooden Nickel said its patio would be open starting Saturday for people who might want to enjoy an "adult" beverage while waiting for their to-go orders. It's recommended that people call in advance before coming to the patio.

Clausen said he wasn't sure if people would come to the patio, or how the change would affect staffing at the Wooden Nickel.

While it does offer a chance to serve more customers, business owners and managers said it's not a solution to the challenges hospitality businesses have faced this year. Bars and restaurants have gone through shutdowns and periods with reduced customer capacity.

"A huge frustration is what little notice we are given to try to continue following new rules. It is impossible to plan ahead, guess what the next set of rules are going to look like," Grandview Valley Winery spokespeople said. It's also tough to keep up with staffing needs through the many changes.

While the Hitching Post has outdoor patio space, Handeland said it sounded like the new rules for outdoor service sounded like they were geared more toward breweries. He said he planned for the Hitching Post to start offering takeout, with a limited menu, this week.

Closing indoor dining didn't make sense as a COVID precaution, given how busy retail stores are right now, Handeland said. "This is crazy."

"Hopefully this will end on (Jan.) 11th," Handeland said.

Clausen said it's still important for people to support local businesses like restaurants, through buying gift cards, take-out orders or catering. Liking a business' Facebook pages and posts also help keep the business visible in your news feed, he said.