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But on Friday, the pandemic bell rang in the form of tough new restrictions that closed indoor restaurants, theaters, gyms and other indoor venues for six weeks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The folks at the Oloroso restaurant were enjoying their happy hour indoors, but when the clock struck 5, the waiter politely told them they had to go out.
“Oh good,” said boss Janet Wright.
But they took it all in stride.
RELATED: What You Need To Know About Philadelphia’s New Restrictions
“We really enjoy our happy hours. If there is a balmy day, we’ll be outside,” Wright said.
In Rittenhouse Square, Action News found a few Temple University students trying to enjoy their pizza outside as the noisy Walnut Street traffic passed.
“There are downsides like the passing SEPTA bus,” student Abbey Basciano said. “Or like the police car that turns on the lights and makes a lot of noise. It can spoil the mood sometimes.”
Most were worried about the survival of the bar and restaurant industry in Philadelphia.
“If people have to eat in parking lots to keep their businesses open, so be it,” said Christopher Norris of Center City.
Restaurant and bar owners say they appreciate all the support, but what they need is a lifeline, like in stimulus money.
So far, the Pennsylvania government has not offered one.
“The holidays are approaching, the cold months are approaching, there just isn’t a lifeline for these guys, and it’s heartbreaking,” said Ben Fileccia of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association.
Townsend Wentz, who owns five restaurants in Philadelphia including Oloroso, says the challenges are too high.
He says he’s preparing to shut them all down for two months, hoping to survive anyway.
“You’re going to lose so many small businesses here in Philadelphia. It’s going to really change the landscape for the community,” Wentz said.
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