COLORADO SPRINGS — Colorado Springs restaurant owners have adapted to public health limitations during the pandemic by allowing diners to eat outdoors. As we head into colder fall and winter months, that's going to be more of a challenge.
Local restaurants have already started preparing for the colder weather. They've started buying heaters to place outside as well as partnering with the Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs.
"Helping out with heaters, we've had talks of blankets in the streets," said Mario Vasquez, Executive Chef, and Owner of Colorado Craft.
Restaurants will be able to apply for grants to offset the cost of outdoor dining in winter. Blankets will be sold to diners to help keep them warm.
"I can't sing enough praises. People like Susan and Meredith, who works here, worked behind the scenes to get these things organized," said Martin Troy, Owner of Jack Quinn's.
Vasquez says to help during the colder fall and winter months, they'll be creating a new menu in hopes of boosting business.
"Maybe a lot of braised meats, pumpkins, squash, and winter vegetables. A lot of hazelnuts, things like that, said Vasquez.
Eric Brenner, Chef and Owner of Red Gravy, says they'll be selling branded hoodies along with blankets. The restaurant will also be utilizing a new space called "Blue at Red Gravy" to accommodate diners.
"We anticipated some people would want to move inside so we are going to have additional seating on the inside at Blue. This will give us an additional 30 people, that would be the equivalent of what's on the street," said Brenner.
He says all of the restaurants are working with officials to continue having outdoor seating along Tejon.
