Phase I is being ushered in this weekend, and there are lots of things to remember, but this is the most important of them all:  be nice.

Our lives have been, for the most part, turned upside-down: schedules have changed, routines have changed, people have lost jobs, businesses have gone under. Stress levels are high, arguments (on Social Media, at least) are through the roof.

It's during times like these when it's most important to be able to put yourself in someone else's shoes. Most business owners were already stressed with the "normal" operations of their facilities, and now the stress will be two-fold with the new, ever-changing regulations to which they must adhere during the reopening.

Your server has been out of work for months, so he or she might need a few days to get back into the swing of things. Your server is having to navigate his or her job with new rules in place, which might slow down service. Your server will be wearing a mask, so it might be difficult for him or her to communicate with you clearly. Your server will be following rules and trying to enforce them to the best of their ability, but: your server did NOT create these new rules, so don't take out your frustrations on them. Your server will be doing all of these things while going through many of the same things you have gone through, and maybe worse. Again, we are all in this together, and if you are able to eat in a restaurant at this time, you are better off than many people during this pandemic.

Also, if you are going to go out to eat at this time (and we encourage you to do so, if you feel comfortable doing it), follow the advice from the meme above: don't cause a fuss, don't complain about little things, follow the rules set forth by the establishment, and be sure to tip. If you can afford to, tip well.

All of the above can be condensed into two words: be nice.

Now, let's get out there and get this economy moving again (safely, please).

 

RESTAURANTS WITH OUTDOOR SEATING IN THE AREA

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