Sarah Mills: The magic of the May Long Weekend
Sarah Mills is looking forward to the May Long Weekend, and says the holiday holds the promise of the summer ahead, even...
The summer-like weather throughout most of Saskatchewan has restaurant owners gearing up for patio season.
With the mercury in both Saskatoon and Regina climbing in the high 20s on Thursday, the nice weather isn’t the only bonus for businesses.
It will be the first time in several years restaurants have been able to open their patios without COVID-19 restrictions.
“The number one word that’s all in our minds, I think is ‘finally,’ because it has been such a cold winter and spring. We’re super-excited to see the sun out and have the patio open,” said Amanda Carter, the owner of the Bar Willow Eatery in Regina.
“We’re really looking forward to (patio season). It has definitely been challenging with the COVID restrictions, but we’re definitely happy to have all those restrictions lifted. It makes less of a hassle at the door for everyone coming in and we’re excited to get going for summer.”
Last year, the Province of Saskatchewan didn’t allow restaurant owners to open their doors to customers until May 17 due to a wave of COVID infections.
For Carter, it’s a relief her establishment can open normally again.
She’s anticipating a busy season as well as she observed more people taking advantage of the walking trails during the height of the pandemic which gave her restaurant added exposure.
“When COVID hit, we said this park kind of turned into Central Park,” she said. “Gyms were closed (and) people felt safer being outdoors, so definitely we had a lot of people walking by.
“It was great because it introduced a lot of new people to Bar Willow. We encourage people to stop in as they’re walking around the lake. Bring your pets and we welcome everyone to come in for a quick drink and bite.”
The warm and sunny weather is temporary, as Environment Canada is expecting rain to fall throughout the upcoming weekend.
