The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Redhawk Grille’s business soars as restrictions ease
Business has been red hot since the reopening of Redhawk Grille’s patio in Concord Township Beginning on May 15 and throughout the first weekend when restaurants were given the green light to serve outdoors hundreds of diners showed up hungry for the experience.
“We were busy from the moment we opened til the moment we closed,” said general manager Chris Hudak. “We had a huge amount of business in a short amount of time. The customers, servers, bartenders…everyone was happy. When it was raining people were out there with raincoats, umbrellas and under the awning.”
Bartender Lenny Cybulski of Geneva, a fouryear Redhawk staffer, was pleased with patrons’ manners in light of reports of customers not respecting social distancing at other restaurants.
“Everyone was polite…in a good mood…there were no issues,” he said.
The Lake County eatery never closed completely during the pandemic, providing patrons with an almost full menu selection via carry out.
But when word was released that regular service could commence staffers got busy gearing up for the added action. Hudak noted that work took place around the clock prior to opening, accomplishing in five days what would normally take weeks.
“We have great staff. We were 100 percent ready,” he said.
To comply with new state standards on the patio, approximately onethird of tables were removed, ensuring the mandated six-foot separation.
All surfaces were thoroughly sanitized and servers donned masks.
The decked out patio presents two full service bars, a generous amount of table seating, bocce ball court, water features and a covered waiting area. Although live entertainment has stopped for now local bands have drawn large crowds in the past. Redhawk owner Anthony Zappitelli said that he’s grateful for customers’ patronage helping to keep the business afloat throughout the trying time.
Todd Golling, a member of the Concord Township Zoning Appeals Board and a regular Redhawk customer, showed his support during the shutdown by ordering take-out at least twice a week. He also enjoyed the patio on opening weekend.
“…Folks were very happy. TVs were on and music was playing,” Golling said. “I splurged and had the New York Strip, medium. I don’t know if it was because I missed eating out but a steak never tasted so good… It was nice to see normalcy again.”
Along with loyal patrons many local businesses frequently purchased lunch for their employees, some on a daily basis.
Zapittelli said that an online informational session regarding food safety regulations offered to Northeast Ohio restaurants by the Lake County General Health District was helpful in putting together reopening plans.
Health District Food Safety Inspector Paul Stromp assisted in coordinating the effort. Many aspects of the new regulations were discussed including the use of condiments on tables which now must be single serve use only.
Zappittelli noted that his business lost at least three quarters of a million dollars in revenue since doors were closed. Comprising a significant chunk of the deficit were cancellations of graduation and birthday parties as well as other celebratory events.
After the closure was announced in March the longtime Lake County restauranteur said all perishables including full kegs of beer were discarded. Stock has since been shored up including an ample supply of fresh brews on tap. Redhawk was welcoming back customers on a first come, first served basis for indoor dining on May 21. Like the patio onethird of tables have been removed.
All booths are designed with thickly padded, high backs eliminating the need for plexiglass dividers or other protective measures.
“It’s a difficult thing to get people to bend what they are accustomed to in a social setting, but in this situation we’re doing the best we can to adhere to the guidelines while maintaining an atmosphere that’s comfortable for everyone,” Hudak said.
Redhawk Grille is at 7481 Auburn Road in Concord Township.
“I splurged and had the New York Strip, medium. I don’t know if it was because I missed eating out but a steak never tasted so good… It was nice to see normalcy again.”
— Todd Golling