With the region's move back to Tier 1 COVID mitigations, some Peoria restaurants are offering indoor dining as an option for the first time in weeks.Eateries began reopening as central Illinois' Region 2 moved back into Tier 1 on Sunday. Under modified rules announced by Gov. JB Pritzker last week, it means restaurants and bars can host indoor service at 25 percent capacity or 25 people -- whichever is less.
Childers Eatery & Catering Operations Manager Rose Mosely is cautiously optimistic.
"I hope that that was the last shutdown. We're definitely hoping that we don't have to do that again," she said. "You know, I hope that everybody respects and follows the guidelines, and we have a successful vaccine rollout and that it's only up from here. And we don't have any more setbacks."
For Chad Zike, owner of the Hungry Moose on Farmington Road, it's a happy moment. The restaurant temporarily closed after finding carryout wasn't enough to sustain business during Tier 3 mitigations.
"We're hoping to fulfill our customers' needs and get back to doing what we do best," Zike said.
Heber Vidal, co-owner of Café Santa Rosa, said he considers it a matter of social responsibility to follow public health guidance, adding the safety of his employees and customers comes first.
"We hope that people don't abuse the fact that they're able to get into places and socialize," Vidal said. "If they do it in a responsible manner, I think that we're going to be able to handle all of this together."
All three businesses said they're following the state's guidance on mask-wearing for both employees and staff, as well as socially distancing tables and santizing frequently.
WCBU News Director Tim Shelley contributed to this report.
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