Opening of Regina restaurants relieves tension of COVID-19 pandemic

Regina restaurants were allowed to open their dining rooms Monday for the first time since late March, and some think it couldn’t have come at a better time.

The province and the city are experiencing well above-average temperatures, hovering around the 30 C mark.

That has convinced many to flock to patios and enjoy a meal or a drink with friends and family.

980 CJME spoke with one man who was savouring a beer at Cathedral Social Hall with his friend late Monday morning.

To him, the relaxing morning meant a lot more than just simple fun.

“It feels like we’re finally getting back into the flow of normal. It’s a beautiful thing … I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders … It’s a huge relief,” he said.

The man and his friend kicked off the morning with a round of golf, but lunch and drinks were the main event.

“I was honestly counting down the hours. I was like, ‘The restaurant opens at 11:30, we need to finish. We need to get there,’ ” he said with a laugh.

Michael Sotropa was sitting a couple of tables away, and was equally glad.

“It feels really good. We have a nice day and I’m just excited to be back out and to be able to be around some people again,” he said.

It was an extra special day for him: He got his COVID vaccine about 20 minutes before sitting down for lunch.

Charlene Swanton was across the city at the Victoria Avenue Boston Pizza, but it was also a very special day for her.

She was celebrating her birthday by enjoying a meal with her daughter on the patio. One of the best gifts the experience gave her was hope for the end of the pandemic.

“The best part is just you feel more relaxed. You’re not as tense. There was a time where you didn’t want to go anywhere, because you were scared of what you were going to run into. So to be able to sit here and enjoy yourself and know that you’re probably pretty safe is a wonderful feeling,” she said.

It’s not just the customers who are feeling great.

Dan Celis, the managing partner of Tommy’s Speakeatery, couldn’t wait to welcome folks back to the dining room.

“I’m stoked. Myself and the staff are all excited to see our people again, to be busy,” he said.

While his restaurant’s takeout sales were pretty strong, he said the business lost out on profits from liquor sales while the dining room was shut down. On top of that, he said everyone just has a better time when people are allowed to come in for a night out.

“Not to be cliche, but it gets to be like on Cheers,” he said. “Everyone knows each other. The staff know the customers. The customers know the other customers. Everyone kind of just gets along.”

There are still some COVID measures in place in Regina dining rooms. Only four people are allowed to a table, while some seats will be blocked off to keep up distance and stay under the capacity limit.