EASTON, Pa. – Easter Sunday includes COVID-19 restrictions in Pennsylvania, including those sitting at the bar, which many restaurants have been waiting for more than a year.
After all, it was a “happy” Easter at Easton’s Stoke Coal Fire Pizza.
“We’re back, almost back to normal. We’re stepping on it. We’re still swimming,” said Jose Fetterolf of the pizzeria.
On Sunday, the state allowed restaurants and bars in all counties except Philadelphia to increase domestic occupancy from 50 percent to 75 percent.
The changes mean customers can now ride in the bar without buying food.
“It feels good!” exclaimed client Sean O’Dowd.
“It’s just happiness. It’s like people come in and this morning we put the stools on for the first time. And people come in and the moment they see those stools in the bar, even the waiters, the waiters. It’s very nice, the interaction; the one against one, “Fetterolf said.
“It’s exciting! It’s exciting for the kitchen. Now we can feed people at the bar. It’s a lot of fun. It’s a lot of fun to get back to normal,” said executive chef Abe Lopez.
And what a difference a year ago.
Last Easter Sunday, at Stoke Coal Fire Pizza and all PA restaurants, the service of anyone inside was banned and limited to transportation only.
This year, it was a socially distant home, but full of things.
“From 25 to 50 to 75, we will definitely not complain. In fact we will say ‘thank you,'” Fetterolf said.
Restaurants are not the only businesses with reduced restrictions.
Gyms, theaters and casinos can now operate with a capacity of 75% as well.