Some restaurants are choosing not to open due to the requirement to operate at 50% capacity, as designated by Governor Whitmer.
Amore Trattoria Italiana is choosing to operate curbside only, due to the limitations in place.
"It is not worth it for us for many reasons," said Chef Jenna Arcidiacono. "One being that we have 100% of our rent due. We have 100% of our staff to pay. So if we are only at 50%, that means only 50% of our income is coming."
Chef Jenna has been doing curbside for almost 3 months, and doesn't plan to stop until the state allows restaurants to open at 100% capacity.
"It's hard because we really want to open. We really want to have people in. We miss the hum of the restaurant. We miss serving people drinks."
Restaurants who do plan to open will be required to take the temperatures of their employees and customers. Many restaurants will also be using disposable utensils and plates, which are an added cost.
"What I tell people is that you wouldn’t play a championship game with only half your team on the field. That’s kind of what they are asking us to do to open at 50 percent capacity."
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