Chillin' out on the patio in January: Customers still looking for night out during restrictions
On a chilly January night, the patio at Barney’s is lit up like a Christmas village, a continuation of a Christmas bar they had set up in December.
“We already had this set up with electric heaters, actual propane heaters from our Christmas bar, so we were just able to roll into outdoor seating and an outdoor patio,” says Aarren Butler, a manager at the popular Richmond Row establishment.
Customers have been coming in on a nightly basis
“You know, there’s not much else to do nowadays,” says Gordanna Kovacic. ”So we figured this would be a good place to go, it’s heated and we’re having a good time.”
Noah Montag adds, “It’s good to be able to go out somewhere and have another option, because obviously with indoor dining closed that limits your ability to socialize with people.”
In Wortley Village, a group celebrated a birthday on the patio at the Sweet Onion Bistro, which has created a comfortable space with heaters and fire bowls.
The move has allowed the bistro to open every night, even when the temperature has dipped to negative double digits
“It doesn't change, people are very interested in coming out. I think they're tired and they really want to come out and eat,” says Owner Cleopatara Camara, who’s manoeuvring during the on-again, off-again restrictions has paid off. The business is now expanding to a second location in Byron.
“We’re scheduled to open Feb. 1 If the government allows for that. If not, then we will be doing the same thing that we're doing here,” says Camara
And even with the government’s announcement of a return to 50 per cent capacity for indoor dining, Barney’s will still be offering the outdoor seating
“We will keep this open most likely,” says Butler. “It’ll be great for us, we’ll be ready for it on the 31st.”
In the event future restrictions are put in place, the last few weeks have shown customers are willing to go to great lengths to frequent these establishments, and any potential pivot to outdoor dining will allow for them to continue to operate.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.