Waltham Restaurants On Capacity Relief: Better Than Nothing

WALTHAM, MA —Businesses across the state and in Waltham will be able to operate at 40 percent capacity starting Feb. 8, Gov. Charlie Baker said, citing "dramatic declines" in coronavirus positive test rates and hospitalizations statewide.

The move from 25 percent capacity restriction in place since Christmas to 40 percent is a step forward for many, said Waltham Chamber Executive Director Molyna Richards, but for some businesses and restaurants it's not going to be enough.

"In general, any help and assistance that our businesses can receive, the loans, the grants the ability to let more people in your doors, is always a good thing for a small business," Richards said. "There are businesses that have closed and remained closed because 25 percent is not going to pay their bills. And I can't say for sure 40 percent will pay their bills either. But it's better than nothing."

It's bittersweet for Tim Burke who owns In A Pickle and Playmakers both on Moody Street.

"For In A Pickle it won't be too much of a difference because we are doing renovations to the other side of the restaurant, so we can't go too much more than what we are at now, but we are very excited that we are moving in the right direction," he said.

Burke said he started to call back some of his staff that were laid off in anticipation for when the renovations are finished. Once that's complete they will be able to seat at a higher capacity.
"There is talk of Moody being shut down again, and we're hopeful for that as well," he said.
His Playmakers restaurant will stay in hibernation until he feels confident they can open and not have any more set backs.

"For the restaurant industry in general we're just trying to work through one obstacle after another," Burke said.

The big thing, said Richards, is helping people feel safe.

"I would like it if the governor could please reiterate, 'hey it is safe for you to go out.' That would help the business community a lot," she said, imploring those who still feel uncomfortable eating out to order take out to help restaurants and restaurant workers.

The 25 percent capacity restriction went into effect on Dec. 26 after a surge in virus rates following Thanksgiving and leading up to Christmas. It was extended twice.
"People's work is paying off," Baker said during his Thursday news conference. "We just need to keep it up for a few more months."

The easing restrictions affect offices, stores, restaurants, gyms, fitness centers, museums, libraries, personal-care businesses and churches. Employees do not count toward the 40 percent limit.

The positive test rate reached a high of 8.6 percent in early January — after falling as low as 0.8 percent in September — but was back down to 3.3 percent as of Wednesday.

Baker said hospitalizations are also down 33 percent since they peaked early last month.
"The data has gotten better. Because the data got better we are making some adjustments," Baker said. "These are very difficult decisions and very tough times for people involved in these businesses."

The eased capacity restrictions come two weeks after the state eliminated the 9:30 p.m. business curfew that had been in place for two months.

Other restrictions listed in Phase One of Step Three of the state's coronavirus reopening —which keep certain businesses, such as larger indoor recreation and entertainment venues, closed — will continue until what Baker said is "further data that shows sustained improvement."

The 90-minute dining and six-person limit at restaurant tables also remain.

It's too much, say restaurant owners.

"The restaurant industry has borne a disproportionate share of responsibility during the pandemic, and it's not based on the numbers," Richard Brackett, co-owner of The Federal said, pointing to the fact that out of the thousands who have tested positive for the virus since March in the state, very few of those cases have been traced back to restaurants.

"I welcome any change," he said. "We're dying by a thousand cuts right now, and every seat counts....We should be permitted to follow the COVID protocols and have 6 feet between tables and wherever that allows you in occupancy is where we should be."

Jenna Fisher is a news reporter for Patch. Got a tip? She can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how.