Medicine Hat Mayor Ted Clugston and Local owner Mike Waskalik enjoy the patio Tuesday during the latest easing of pandemic restrictions.--NEWS PHOTO ALEX MCCUAIG
amccuaig@medicinehatnews.com
The hot, sunny weather had Hatters flocking to many of the patios at the local watering holes on the first day restaurants and bars have had restrictions eased since the third-wave of COVID-19 hit the province.
One of those to hit a patio mid-day Tuesday was Mayor Ted Clugston, who says the time is right to open up.
“I’ve been talking for the last 15 months about the hospitality industry,” said Clugston about the impact to the local businesses as he sat at the Local Public Eatery patio. “Today, I’m putting my money where my mouth is. We couldn’t have a better week.”
For Local owner Mike Waskalik, seeing more than two dozen patrons on one of the downtown’s largest patios was a sight for sore eyes.
“It feels good,” said Waskalik. “I think we’re on the other side of it.”
Dealing with an empty restaurant for weeks was challenging mentally, he said, but that time was spent fixing up the business.
George Best spent Tuesday morning getting Travois Ale Works ready for its patio opening later in the afternoon.
“Excited,” said Best of the reopening, “very excited.”
Like Waskalik, Best says the business has some new looks for customers and a lot of great things planned for a summer like no other this year.
“We’re all pleased to be back working said Best.
But it’s not just restaurants and bars welcoming back patio customers.
Joe Desjardins, owner of Country Crumb Bakery and Cafe, said there is a noticeable vibrancy along the downtown streets outside his Arcade Plaza patio.
While his bakery was open for walk-in customers, the lifting of restrictions has increased traffic and is, “just what we needed.”
