MEMPHIS, Tenn. — For many restaurants, Memorial Day weekend’s sharp increase in customers is a taste of what business may bring this summer as more people get vaccinated.
“It’s insane, it’s awesome,” sever and bartender at Bayou in Overton Square Christian Pfohl said.
Crowds of people came out to celebrate the unofficial start of summer at the popular Cajun restaurant.
“People are being vaccinated, people are being friendlier. It’s a better experience,” Pfohl said.
The rush is exciting, but also challenging for servers like Pfohl.
He said his restaurant is still not operating at full capacity in an effort to promote social distancing.
“We’re doing the same volume or more with less tables and less people,” Pfohl said.
A few doors down at Robata Ramen and Yakitori Bar, general manager Jonathan Lehman said it’s a similar story.
“It was definitely busier than the average weekends have been,” he said.
Lehman’s focus now is hiring more staff to keep up with the new rush of hungry customers.
“About everyone works six days a week and at least two-weekend doubles,” he said. “So we’re all kind of getting our butts kicked.”
Despite a slim staff and an increased workload, both Pfohl and Lehman said they’re up for the challenge.
As a reminder, private businesses like restaurants can still require customers to wear masks unless they are eating or drinking.
They must post signage outside to let people know if they are requiring them.