Restaurants had the opportunity to invite diners back into their restaurants last month, but everyone from restaurant owners to servers to community members are still navigating the changes that come with the increased safety measures.
During the process, restaurant owners are doing their best to keep customers safe and provide an outstanding dining experience while hoping to recoup the financial losses they experienced during the extended closure.
For most East Mesa restaurant owners, the best way to help their local dining establishments is to simply show up, either for dine-in or takeout, demonstrating support for the businesses that have become so vital to their communities.
“Patronize small, local businesses,” said Hava Java owner Justin Shafer. “We are the backbone of the country. Some of our employees from the past, we now employ their children. People have gotten engaged at our stores. Many have gotten engaged. Many have gotten married. I can name half a dozen of our baristas who have found their lifelong companions.”
“We’re staying open because there are people that love us. There are people that come every single day and support us,” he continued.
Restaurant leaders are also asking for patience as they adjust to a new normal, which includes expanded takeout and delivery options, space for fewer customers, increased sanitation procedures, and no waiting area for diners to congregate while tables become available.
“The restaurants are doing everything they can to make the experience safe, friendly and fast,” said Elaina Shaw of Sam and Luca. “It’s going to be up to the guests. I believe all the restaurants and businesses in town are going to do the right thing. We need patrons to be respectful of that and other diners.”
For those dining in, they can help by making reservations to decrease wait times, dine at off-peak hours and expect a new type of experience — one without shared condiments or spices on the tables, spaced out tables, and servers wearing masks.
“It’s going to be different for the guests when they first come in,” said Dennis Shaw, director of food and beverage for The Patio and Grille at Las Sendas Golf Club. “We’re doing our part to keep them safe, but it’s also going to take a little bit of an adjustment on our end in how we take care of people, and an adjustment on their end in having a little more patience.”
Guests can also aid in keeping restaurant staff safe by following the CDC guidelines themselves and not dining in while they’re sick, or gathering in large groups.
“We would ask that the public understand the needs of my staff in helping keep them safe,” said Jeff Flancer of Flancer’s. “Please don’t show up with 20 people. We want to respect our guests and make sure they’re as healthy and safe as possible, and we would appreciate they respect the basic rules that are out there as well.”
And while restaurant owners continue pivoting to make dining inside and outside of their restaurants safe, they’re also grateful to the East Mesa community that’s helped them stay on their feet during these unprecedented times.
“We’re blessed to be here,” said Pacino’s owner Frank Spaccarelli. “The people who were here and supported us over the last month are phenomenal. We’re so humbled. They spend a lot of money and have tipped us, supporting the staff and supporting us. It made me a cry a few times, what they’ve done to support us. It’s been amazing.”
To make reservations, or to request takeout/delivery service:
Flancer’s
(480) 396-0077
The Patio and Grille at Las Sendas Golf Club
(602) 734-5524
Hava Java
(480) 912-5282
Pacino’s
(480) 985-0114
Sam and Luca
(480) 659-6716