It might not be the same as dancing in the street, but diners and restaurateurs are happy about dining al fresco. Restaurants in the region opened up for outdoor dining two weeks ago after counties moved from the red to yellow phase in Gov. Wolf’s color scheme for getting the state back to normal in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yvonne and Michael Kelley, of Birmingham Township, said it was great to be dining out on the porch at Brandywine Prime Wednesday evening, that it was a relief to be able to see things begin to open up, even if just a little.
Owner Michael Majewski said the reaction to outdoor dining has been good. While there’s been seating on the side of the restaurant for years, under the circumstances, some people are reluctant.
“About half of the people who call like the outdoor seating but some still prefer the no contact takeout out service,” he said, adding that the takeout service kept him busy and a steady takeout clientele has developed.
Farther up Route 1, Chadds Ford Tavern General Manager Kate Hussey said they’ve had a good turnout ever since they could start using their parking lot for seating.
“People are loving being able to be out again,” she said. “Happy Hour is back from 4-6 p.m. with half-price beer, wine and cocktails, and people are eager for live music to return.”
Mendy Meriwether, of West Chester, and Joe McAleer, of the Poconos, enjoyed some parking lot dining at the Tavern Wednesday.
“It’s nice,” said Meriwether, “and it’s safe.”
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
