Under normal circumstances, the restaurant industry can be tremendously exciting. Every night is a performance and a roll of the dice. Will our place be packed? Is tonight the night the reviewer gives us five stars? What about the weather, the news, the tone of the times? The highs and the lows are what makes the business so appealing to those who aspire to it and are successful in it. And the applause from the audience is the fuel. In this case, the applause is the diners’ return visit and, to a great degree, their gratuity. The guest is the reason for the existence of each fine-dining palace, hole-in-the-wall cafe, bustling bistro and trendy coffee shop.
So in an industry turned upside down, who is asking the guest about what they think about dining out in the time of a pandemic?
It seems the viewpoint of just about everyone but the guest is being sought after these days. Celebrity chefs who have seldom, if ever, visited our state expound on social media about the impending apocalypse coming to eateries – usually referring to New York City. In Rhode Island, candidates for office, business leaders in nonrelated industries or in commerce associations, and media members who seldom venture from their homes share the same vision of doom. It is surprising, therefore, to hear and read from many in the industry that the opposite is going on right now.
For instance, Rick Simone, executive director of the Federal Hill Commerce Association, said in an interview: “There are very few empty storefronts on Federal Hill, and the ones that are empty don’t stay that way for very long.”
The Federal Hill Commerce Association has helped extend “Al Fresco on the Hill” throughout the month of October on Friday and Saturday evenings. On Columbus Day weekend, Al Fresco on the Hill will take the place of the customary festival and parade. The celebration will include more shopping and dining opportunities with an extended schedule. The hours are 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11; and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12. Atwells Avenue is closed off to motor vehicle traffic in two sections – from Bradford Street to Dean Street, and from Dean Street to Lily Street.
Some are making dire predictions about the coming winter. Even so, preparations are being made to continue outdoor dining, and those eateries making the preparations are planning to be busy. At Kay’s Restaurant in Woonsocket, owner David Lahousse was searching for a tent he could heat when he came across small greenhouse-like structures nicknamed “igloos.” They are big enough to fit a dining table that can seat six patrons. He has ordered 10 igloos at a cost of $1,400 each. According to media accounts, all of the restaurants’ 30 employees have returned to work. Sales have been “really good,” he said, attributing the success to outdoor dining.
For those restaurants without igloos – one prominent restaurateur says they are impossible to find right now – the Rhode Island Hospitality Association has purchased a large quantity of blankets and will distribute 12,000 of them to restaurants for guests who would like to dine outdoors when it’s cold. This is a popular custom in Vermont, where I work with several restaurants and inns. On a recent 40-degree night on the patio and deck of one inn in the Middlebury, Vt., area, everyone was wrapped up and enjoying the evening.
On Federal Hill, there is word that 150 outdoor heaters are being installed, thanks to grant funding from the state’s Take It Outside initiative. Other eateries are reporting their heaters are up and running, such as 15 Point Road Restaurant in Portsmouth, which had them on back order for months.
This is not an attempt to minimize anyone’s struggles and difficulties. This pandemic cost some people their business. It is heart-rending. I wish these individuals and families well and hope that somehow, someday, some sense might be made of all this.
Bruce Newbury’s “Dining Out” radio talk show is heard Saturdays at 11 a.m. on 1540 AM WADK, on radio throughout New England, through various mobile applications and his podcast. Email Bruce at
Bruce@brucenewbury.com.