CLEVELAND — Warm, sunny weather brought people in Cleveland out to the Flats Friday to enjoy what could be the last few days of patio weather in northeast Ohio.
Health experts have recommended people sit outside while dining at restaurants to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Business has been up and down for restaurants in the Flats, and all over northeast Ohio, during the pandemic and patios have been a real game changer for them. Many restaurant owners said they’re taking full advantage of this extra week of sun and warm temps to hopefully rake in some extra cash before it gets cold again.
“We have 30 some tables on our outside dining,” Patrick Granzier, managing partner of Lindey’s Lake House, said. “It's getting kind of full now.”
Granzier said a full patio is a welcome sight after a rollercoaster of a year.
“We had some really good sales and then every time we had an announcement such as the mask, the curfew - every time we went down in sales,” Granzier said.
He said they were expecting another slow down going into this time of the year, but after seeing weather reports they started preparing for what’s sure to be a huge weekend.
“I would say over the whole weekend. We should do 2,000 [customers], maybe more,” Granzier said “You're talking tens of thousands of dollars difference in sales.”
“It's a real nice day outside today and we're spending the day together so we decided to grab some lunch,” Khalil Clements said.
Clements and friend Tavia Daniels took advantage of the nice weather at Lago East Bank Friday. Hopefully, the first of many to patronize the popular spot over the coming days.
“We’re hoping for a pretty good turnout,” Adam Langston, general manager of Lago East Bank, said.
Langston said the last few weeks have been a challenge because of the pandemic and change in seasons.
“Now it's starting to get colder. It's slowed down a little bit,” Langston said.
But because of the warm weather this weekend, they have several reservations on the books. Many eyeing a spot on their patio which Langston says has had a major impact on their business this year.
“The patio is the main focus for most of our guests that come in. We would love to see our patio bigger honestly,” Langston said.
Both Granzier and Langston are preparing for the winter months, both ensuring social distancing practices will be followed at their restaurants.
“The one thing I got going for me here though, the indoor here is very large and as well spaced out. So I think we're gonna still be okay with that for the people are worried about COVID,” Granzier said.
Langston said Lago East Bank is also considering covering its patio so it can be used in the colder months.
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Jade Jarvis is a reporter at News 5 Cleveland. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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