By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
As other restaurants in Bowling Green opened for inside dining this summer, Sunset Bistro was the rare holdout.
“Pretty early into COVID, we were getting calls for meals from families who had suffered a loss from COVID,” said Prudy Brott, owner of Sunset Bistro. “That was quite eye-opening. We decided to err on the side of caution for customers and staff.”
The restaurant has offered pick-up and delivery, and outdoor dining. The city allowed restaurants to expand their outdoor seating, so Sunset Bistro tripled its patio area.
But there has been no indoor dining since mid-March.
That will change on Thursday, Oct. 8, when Sunset Bistro will be open once again for inside business starting at 4:30 p.m.
“I can’t wait till there’s laughter and the smell of food inside on the first day,” Brott said.
Ohio’s COVID restaurant regulations ask that customers be kept 6 feet apart, and that masks be worn by anyone not seated.
“There weren’t a lot of restrictions compared to other states,” Brott said. “They were confident that restaurant owners will use their judgment to keep everyone safe.”
Brott took it further by using disposable dinnerware, “just to give us one more layer of safety.”
“A lot of people who came were happy” with the preventive efforts. Others said they would return once Sunset Bistro was using china plates once again.
But Brott plans to keep using disposable plates inside for a while, with real silverware.
“I want the least amount of exposure to the staff and to customers,” she said.
Like many restaurants, Sunset Bistro is operating with far fewer staff – down from 36 to 11 employees, with eight being part-time.
“Right now staff is an issue,” Brott said. “I didn’t want anyone working outside their comfort zone.”
The staff is ready for the shift to indoor dining.
“They’re definitely up to speed,” she said.
And like many restaurants, Sunset Bistro has seen a big drop in business due to the pandemic. Brott estimated her restaurant is averaging 40% of its normal business – pre-COVID.
“We have days when lunch sales are $35. Then we have days when we can’t keep up,” depending on the specials and the weather, she said.
Brott saw sales dip further when other restaurants opened for inside dining. But she wasn’t ready.
“The safety of everyone comes before profit,” she said.
“I’m hopeful that once we open inside, they will feel comfortable coming in,” she said.
Brott voiced her appreciation of customers who have continued to get curbside or delivered meals.
“People are definitely trying to be as supportive as possible,” she said. “We’re grateful we’re still open. We’re thankful the community came together and supported small businesses.”
The new hours at Sunset Bistro will be 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for lunch with seating until 1 p.m., and 4:30 to 8 p.m. for dinner with seating until 7 p.m. Curbside will be available till 1:30 p.m. for lunch, and 8 p.m. for dinner.
Once Sunset Bistro is open for indoor dining, curbside pickup will be moved to the back of the restaurant. There will be two designated parking spots to the west of the patio in the back. People will need to call, then the food will be brought out to them.
