SPOKANE, Wash. — It’s been nearly two full months since restaurants in Washington had to close indoor dining.
With an update from Governor Inslee coming soon, local restaurants are trying to figure out how they should prepare for the future. The governor recently extended COVID-19 restrictions, including the indoor dining ban, through Monday, Jan. 11.
“We need to get those product orders in,” said Josh Wade, owner of Bark, a Rescue Pub.
The pub has had to change the way it operates amid COVID-19 restrictions in Washington state.
“The adoption agency definitely changed in mid-November when everything shut down,” Wade explained.
On top of being a restaurant, they're known for doubling as an adoption clinic for pets.
The business has adapted by installing outdoor igloos to salvage whatever business they could in the changing weather. While waiting for updates from the state, their employees are dealing with the stress of constantly being on standby.
“They need to know to adjust their schedules,” Wade said.” Many of them might have children or families they have to adjust with. Some might not want to come back, so we have to balance who we have available to us.”
If Governor Inslee announces that indoor dining is allowed to return, it would be a relief for places like Bark.
However, the pub also has to be prepared for the restrictions to be extended again.
Until protocols are lifted, Bark's adoption agency will only be open Thursday through Sunday.
“We provide a sense of joy and excitement to Spokane because they have been so good to us and we want to continue being good to them.”
As the new year gets underway, they’re hopeful they can open up to the public sometime soon.