While COVID-19 case numbers continue to fluctuate, bars and restaurants are enjoying the Stage 3 regulations, which allow customers inside to dine and drink.
Barrie has been in Stage 3 of Ontario’s COVID-19 reopening plan for just under a week. July 17 was the day that many municipalities around the province could enter the next phase, which provided more leniency for their businesses.
Though some businesses have closed due to the current financial uncertainty caused by COVID, there are some businesses that are getting ready to open.
Steve Ricalis already co-owns Donaleigh’s Irish Public House and Dunlop Street Diner with business partner Don Kellett, but it looks like their third business, located at 10 Dunlop St. E, will be open in the next two to three weeks for take-out.
“North Country is a honky-tonk, country bar like something you would find in Nashville,” said Ricalis. “It will have about 100 to 150 seats inside, plus the outside patio. It will be a great place to eat and see some live entertainment.”
Ricalis says there are some who question the timing of opening a business, let alone a restaurant with live entertainment, during the pandemic, but he believes in positive thinking and seeing things through.
“I was already committed and, in my mind, I believe this will all turn around. You have to be optimistic, cautious but optimistic,” Ricalis told BarrieToday. “Everything is going back to normal in a year, I hope.
"I just had to push through it and I believe in what we’re building here.”
The live entertainment factor is an unknown for now to Ricalis, who says he's considering different options until he knows for sure what he is allowed and what he can logistically do.
“There is so much grey area right now as to what we can do for live music. There’s no singing or dancing for patrons, but I was thinking of putting a big-screen TV on the stage and have someone play remotely," he said. "Plexiglass on the stage to separate the musicians and the audience is also an option, but I think everything is going to change very fast and so it is a wait and see what is needed.”
Away from the downtown area is a spot that relies on a customer base that goes back close to 30 years.
Dana Parris is the owner of The Lockeroom in Barrie’s north end. The restaurant has been a staple of the area since 1991 and has gained a loyal following, something Parris attributed to their current success.
“We were really worried, but I’ll tell you, our customers are so loyal,” Parris told BarrieToday. “They have been ordering from us when we had just take-out and then they came in as soon as we could open. I feel that is what will help businesses thrive, the dedication from their customers.”
Parris says they were doing OK during the first couple stages of reopening, with only a take-out option, but were glad to hear patios were being installed in front of her Cundles Road East establishment.
“We had to apply to the landlord to get approval to get a patio, so that took a bit of time. I was very worried about having it in the parking lot and whether or not people would like to have a view of cars, but many times we’ve been full,” Parris said. “Even last week, during that hot spell, we were packed.”
Parris doesn’t know what the future brings due to numbers, but said she thinks The Lockeroom and other hard-working business owners will be ready.
“Everything is so unknown. Day-to-day now is really day-to-day. Restrictions change and guidelines are extended or not, so everyday you just have to be ready for whatever comes,” said Parris.
