WDIO spoke to a local restaurant, a local brewery and a local movie theater about what it means to them to re-open their doors.

Solomon Witherspoon, the owner of Spoon’s Bar & Grill—formerly known as Doc Witherspoon’s Soul Food Kitchen—said they can’t wait to re-open.

"I’m elated. I cannot wait to bring new people to this new restaurant in its new location. I just can’t wait at all. It’s such a blessing,” Witherspoon said.

To prepare for guests, Witherspoon said Spoon’s Bar & Grill put in a new floor, put up curtains for privacy and installed a stage where he hopes to provide guests with live music.

“As soon as we open, I’m definitely going to have some music down here. For sure probably some solo artists, maybe a two, three piece band, some guitars, some light drums, some piano, some violins, the whole nine yards,” Witherspoon said.

Even at half capacity, Witherspoon hopes good food and live music will have what he called a ‘church effect’ on guests.

“We want people to walk in here and unequivocally, we want to give you energy, life, love and a beautiful memory and experience, so when you leave, you have that church effect,” Witherspoon said.

In the same neighborhood, Bent Paddle Brewing Company is looking forward to welcoming guests back, while encouraging them to stay a paddle length apart. Laura Mullen, one of the founders of Bent Paddle said their beer sales have been successful, but they are excited to bring in more business.

“Having that onsite service for pints and gatherings in a safe way will be excellent for our business,” Mullen said.

To prepare for guests to return, Mullen said the Brewery made the decision to temporarily enclose their patio to create more space for guests to sit.

"Some people may not yet be fully comfortable inside, so we are happy to have some outdoor seating as well,” Mullen said.

Mullen added that they have ordered space heaters for guests to use on the patio.

“We’re excited to be at 50% capacity indoors and on the patio,” Mullen said.

Across town at the West Theatre, a sign out front reads: “We love you. Be back soon.” Now, the theatre will be able to open as soon as Monday at 25% capacity. Owner, Bob Boone said he may open as soon as next Friday, but still has some planning to do.

“When we were allowed to re-open the first time, I decided I was going to require masks and temperature checks,” Boone said. “I plan to do that again.”

Boone says he will also seat guests every other row. He looks forward to welcoming them back.

“I’m just delighted we’re going to live to fight another day because if you would have asked me in March, I would have thought it was bankruptcy for sure and now, we’ve got 100% odds of being able to reopen,” Boone said.

To read the original story and see related reporting, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website.  https://www.wdio.com/duluth-minnesota-news/local-businesses-react-to-rollback-of-covid-restrictions/...