Restaurants, Bars Adapt To New COVID-19 Restrictions

Restaurants and bars are adapting again to COVID-19-related restrictions with new limits on hours and capacity.

Restaurant owners are worried about more restrictions that could come later more than the small step implemented now.

At Taziki's Mediterrean Cafe, only a few customers come inside to eat now, a sign of the decline in business that started with the pandemic. They've adapted by building up takeout and curbside, but it's not nearly the business they had before.

Just down the block, Waldo's Chicken and Beer has the advantage of a drive thru and that's helped, according to the man who runs both restaurants.

“Of course, we have been doing social distancing in all of the stores,” restaurant owner Dino Nithianandan said.

He said because they close early and have spaced out tables already, he's more worried about the next round of restrictions.

“We will figure it out and try to make it,” Nithianandan said. “It's not going to be easy, I can tell you, it's pretty, pretty hard.”

The governor's new orders means 24-hour restaurants must close at 11 p.m., but can reopen at 5 a.m.

Restaurants can still serve food through a drive thru. Bars and restaurants have to close dining rooms, and all have to create proper spacing inside.

“Our whole goal is to help businesses stay open and keep them safe as well,” Dr. Bruce Dart with the Tulsa Health Department said. “I think this is one step towards doing that."

Waldo's opened during the pandemic and the owner believes they'll manage to stay open.

“I don't think we've recovered yet, that's going to take a while, but we're trying to stay alive, that's what I would say,” Nithianandan said.