‘ Trying to stay open, stay by the rules’
Restaurants attempt to encourage attendance, while adhering to state rules
BRIDGEPORT — A restaurant name like Rum & Tequila Fusion evokes a party atmosphere.
During the coronavir us pandemic, however, social distancing and capacity restrictions required to stop the illness’ spread can certainly kill, or at least limit, the fun — not to mention profits.
“It’s been very tough,” said Alethia Harrison, manager of the Jamaican and Mexican restaurant downtown on State Street. “We’re trying to stay open (and) stay by the rules.”
Rum & Tequila opened in spring 2019 and, like many other eateries in Bridgeport and throughout Connecticut, offered just takeout and delivery during the initial months of this year’s health crisis, then limited outdoor dining, and then some reduced indoor seating.
Harrison said she and the staff are now looking forward to Gov. Ned Lamont’s so-called Phase 3 pandemic reopening Oct. 8. Restaurants will be able to serve 75 percent of their normal capacity as opposed to the current 50 percent.
“That would be a great help,” Harrison said.
As summer turned to fall, City Hall made an extra effort to promote downtown dining and temporarily closed some streets to give restaurants more space to set up additional tables and chairs.
Paul Brown, owner of Grill II, said he was thankful for Lamont’s announcement given the coming colder months.
“This week is the last weekend that we have for good weather. After that we’re in the 60s and 50s,” Brown said. “We bought heat lamps but that goes so far. When the temperature falls below 50, no one’s going to be outside.”
While the city encouraged more visitors to travel downtown to support local businesses, the police and the health departments recently had to respond to complaints of overcrowding in the vicinity of Grill II and Rum & Tequila. Although large events that break the COVID-19 rules could lead to a fine of up to $500, according to new penalties Lamont unveiled earlier this month, both downtown restaurants received warnings.
Rowena White, spokeswoman for Mayor Joe Ganim, said that two weekends ago “crowds had gathered well beyond capacity at both locations inside and outside. ... Both owners did step forward and joined the police in dispersing the crowds.”
Bridgeport has also forced some businesses to temporarily shutter over pandemic-related violations, but White said that is “the last thing” the city wants.
Harrison and Brown confirmed they received the warnings. Both attributed the problem to a group of “bar crawlers” making stops at various downtown restaurants and gathering in the vicinity of McLevy Green.
“We got entangled in that,” Brown said.
White added: “It’s a funky situation. You’re with a friend, having a good time, and then three of your friends roll up in a car. The next thing you know it compounds and compounds and compounds and all of a sudden, you’ve got a street party.”
“The police and health depart
ment are asking if you or you’re friends are pushing an establishment over capacity, just kind of keep it moving,” White said. “Go to the next place and circle back around safely or meet your friends at another location. Help yourself and these businesses
follow protocols.”
Harrison said she also works as an X-ray technician at Greenwich Hospital and is well aware of how serious COVID needs to be taken, especially with the possibility of a spike in infections in the coming months.
“There’s no vaccine,” she said. “(Health experts are) not sure what’s going to happen in the fall. So we still have to be careful.”
She added: “We want positive vibes downtown. We need positive vibes from everywhere.”