Updates! This article has been updated to add patio status from MORE local Sackville businesses who want you to enjoy some fresh air this summer.
During a normal year, the appearance of patios and outdoor dining opportunities is an exciting marker of the summer season, but during a pandemic, it feels a bit more like a lifeline.
So far in Sackville, outdoor seating has made an appearance at a few local establishments, and others say plans are afoot to make room for customers ‘al fresco’.
Joey’s Pizza and Pasta has sidewalk patio seating set up already, as well as a backyard patio area now open.
Bagtown Brewery has set up picnic tables outside their taproom on Main Street, though owner Anthony Maddalena says they may have to remove the tables briefly to allow for renovations at neighbouring Sears Insurance.
Over at the Black Duck, preparations are underway for a licensed back garden patio. Co-owner Al Barbour says he hopes to have the new outdoor seating open in time for the Victoria Day long weekend.
Neighbours Napul’è and Ducky’s are planning another collaborative patio, if only they can work out liquor licensing issues. Owner Carmine Caso says Napul’è gave up its liquor license when it went to mostly takeout at the onset of the pandemic. Now he and Ducky’s owner Darren Wheaton are working out issues with licensing to ensure that food and drink can be served. Wheaton says he hopes the patio will be open by the end of the month.
Aida’s Cafe is also planning some sort of outdoor seating. Angela Kwon says there may be some changes due to COVID regulations, and she’s hoping to work it out with the town.
Owner Kathy Beal says the patio at The Painted Pony opened about a week ago, and Rose Robichaud of Pi By Crow foods says the shop’s front patio will be open again this summer. Wendy Epworth of Mel’s Tea Room says the diner is in the process of applying for a sidewalk patio this year.
Some of the earliest-to-arrive and most colourful outdoor seating in Sackville is on the front lawn of Cranewood on Main. The cafe’s large white tent will soon follow, according to baker and manager Malcolm Campbell.
“Our plan is to get the tent up as soon as possible,” says Campbell, “so hopefully the week of the 17th.” Campbell says he hopes to have some new summer fare on the menu in time for the Victoria Day long weekend. “Hopefully by the holiday, you should be able to have an ice cream cone full of local ice cream in our tent,” says Campbell.
Outdoor seating has been vital for Cranewood during the pandemic, says Campbell, but it has always been popular. “We’ve always had a lot of people in the summer who want to eat outside, but last summer, it meant that we were able to be open with dine in–or dine out, as it were–in the tent. We didn’t even have our dining room open until about mid-September, but we were open all summer and people were able to eat outside in a safer, more comfortable setting. That, I think, was better for everyone.”
Campbell says Cranewood has been going strong through the pandemic, and he expects some changes as the summer progresses.
“In the food industry, there is never a normal. It’s chaotic industry,” says Campbell. “But we’ve managed to do well this year. It’s always a chance to pivot and to look at what we’re doing and how can we do it more efficiently. So we’re hoping to have some exciting things happen this summer. Hopefully, more hours, more offerings… Lots of exciting, interesting things coming.”
