How Four Kingston Restaurants are Handling a New Dining Normal
by Stephanie Koathes Jun 24, 2020
Every sector has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some were hit worse than others. Restaurants and bars were forced to close their doors and shift, if able, to pick-up and delivery services only. Now that restrictions are easing, and restaurants are allowed to re-open, we’re all asking the question: what will dining look like in a post-COVID-19 world?
We spoke to the owners and managers of four restaurant in Kingston to find out about how they plan to tackle the new normal of dining and ensure safety for staff and guests.
– Managing Director, Philippe Hadid
We’ve taken out half the tables, you have to wear masks [when not seated], and you need to have your hands sprayed. Everybody is at least eight feet apart.
South Avenue Grill is such a big place. We’re also outside, so that’s in our favour. If we become crowded, however, you’ll have to wait in your car, give us your number, and we’ll call you when your table is ready.
I think people have realised once you have followed the guidelines you’ll be fine, and people are ready to come back to dine.
We never closed really. People were on shifts so that everyone had an income. My staff are the most amazing people. I can’t say enough good things about them. I made sure my staff was okay, they deserve it, they’re absolutely wonderful people.
Dining-in hours are midday to 8:30pm as of 15 June.
Grog Shoppe, La Pizzeria, and Mahogany Tree Bar
– Managing Director, Tino Caldarelli
The Grog Shoppe,
Mahogany Tree Bar, and La Pizzeria re-opened on 15 June.
During the three months that we were closed, we have done extensive renovations.
The bar/pizzeria area was completely refurbished. Thermometer and
sanitising stations have been put in place.
We feel that people are very willing to start dining out, even with
restrictions still in place. With our large open-air spaces, we can offer the
protection of ample space for social distancing between tables.
We are ready to welcome our old and new customers with our usual good food and
good service.
Fromage Bistro and Fromage Gourmet Market
– Owner, Lisa-Gaye Chin
Sanitation is key, which is something we’ve always practised. We will be enforcing more handwashing, face masks, temperature checks, social distancing between tables indoors, and utilising more of our outside patio space. While keeping our guests and staff safe, we want it to be a pleasurable experience and most places we have visited in these times are like army checkpoints. We will keep hospitality at the forefront.
I am sure we all want things to get back to normal soon and to enjoy dining out with loved ones again. Our customers have started little by little to come out to dine; it seems they are tired of staying home.
Limited dining-in is available from 11:30am to 8pm.
– Co-owners, Damion Stewart and Kwasi Henry
The health and safety of our guests and staff are paramount. We will have to work with our guests to ensure this.
Some of the measures Broken Plate will implement:
– Go contactless as much as possible for example, a digital menu, online ordering platform, and contactless payment options.
– Sanitise all areas involved in food preparation and all other areas.
– Ensure that all our team members wear protective masks.
– Temperature checks for all staff and guests on arrival. There will be additional checks for any staff members who leave the compound.
– Reconfigure table layouts to respect social distancing.
– Disinfect and sanitise tables before and after use.
– Make handwashing and sanitising options available for our guests.
– Order ahead. We’ll give our guests the option to order ahead before they arrive for dining, so they spend less time in our dining room, thereby limiting exposure.
What we’ll ask of our guests:
– If you’re feeling ill, please do not visit.
– Plan ahead. Reservations are recommended.
– Wear a mask until seated.
– Observe social distancing with other guests.
Broken Plate opens at 12pm from Monday to Saturday and will continue to offer delivery and take out options.
Liked this article? Be sure to check out our interview with Jamaica Inn on bouncing back after COVID-19 and our discussion with the owner of Spa Divine on getting back to normal.