By MADDY VITALE
For nearly six months, indoor dining has been closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions were difficult for some restaurant owners who said that takeout, curbside and delivery orders were only a small portion of their business.
But on Friday, Gov. Phil Murphy allowed indoor dining for the first time since March with a 25 percent capacity.
In addition to fewer people being allowed inside at one time, eateries also rearranged floor space to create social distancing, and some set up outdoor seating.
The governor originally announced that indoor dining could resume during the Fourth of July weekend, but pulled back after concluding that it was still too dangerous amid the pandemic.
Mayor Jay Gillian reflected on the impact of the restaurant restrictions in a statement Friday.
“Starting today, the governor will permit restaurants to open their doors at 25 percent capacity,” he noted. “It has been an extremely challenging summer for all local businesses, so please eat and shop locally.”
Chuck Bangle, owner of Manco & Manco Pizza on the Boardwalk in Ocean City, said his staff spent the past week rehearsing safety protocols to make sure everything went smoothly. They took tables out of the dining area to create ample social distancing space.
On Friday, he said he was pleased with the outcome.
In addition to safety measures, including all staff wearing masks, Bangle said they were utilizing a reservation system to limit the number of customers inside. Patrons receive text messages when they are allowed to enter the restaurant, which also creates a vehicle for contact tracing.
“Everything is going great. We are very happy to be back,” Bangle said as he greeted people outside the restaurant, known for its famous pizza. “This day brings more normalcy to Manco & Manco.”
Monica Joyce and Chris Fackler, of Carneys Point, N.J., and their children, Avery, 10, and Emma, 15, enjoyed a day at the Ocean City beach and then stopped in at Manco & Manco for their favorite pizza.
“I think it is about time,” Joyce said of the reopening of indoor dining.
Fackler added, “We are ready to get back to normal. It really has hurt the local businesses to be closed so long.”
Steve Price, of Washington Township, N.J., finished up his lunch at Manco & Manco and said he was pleased to finally be able to eat inside, especially in the air conditioning on a hot day.
“It is a treat,” Price said.
He added about the shutdown, “The governor doesn’t see what his policy has done to the businesses.”
