Businesses with patios in Kelowna, Kamloops fighting cold wind along with COVID restrictions

People really did try over the Easter long weekend to help their local restaurants stay in business given the public health orders putting an end to indoor dining in B.C.

Frick and Frack Tap House in Kamloops set up an outdoor canopy so more customers could be safely served outdoors.

“People came dressed warmly,” co-owner Adrian Verenca told iNFOnews.ca. “There were others that came and sat down but after about five minutes they said we’re sorry, we can’t take this. It was too cold.”

The restaurant was down to about one-third capacity after provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry banned all indoor dining last week.

“It’s cold, and it’s windy, we apologize to everyone,” Verenca. “We are really grateful that some people actually came out in this weather.”

The Plaza Hotel in Kamloops opened its outdoor patio on Friday and Saturday.

READ MORE: Sunshine to start the week in Kamloops and the Okanagan

“It wasn’t patio weather this weekend at all, people were out in parkas,” front desk clerk Irene Klossner said. “I saw people on Frick and Frack’s patio, huddled together for warmth.”

While parkas weren’t the clothing of choice for patrons of Kelowna’s Craft Beer Market, warm jackets were definitely needed.

“We’ve been pretty full all weekend, it’s been quite good,” hostess Olivia MacLean said. “Yesterday did get a bit windy so it was definitely a lot warmer under the heaters.”

She did see at least one customer who came equipped with a blanket.

The heaters don’t work as well for all parts of the patio but are definitely a help near the bar, MacLean said.

For Verenca, the canopy was a big enough investment, so he choose not to spend more on heaters.

“It’s not a great situation,” he said. “Hopefully the restrictions go away on the (April) 19th.”

The ban on indoor dining is in place until April 19, unless COVID-19 cases counts remain high and provincial public health authorities extend them.

The good news for those dining outside, as well as those serving them, is temperatures should be higher this week, and next weekend.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Rob Munro or call 250-808-0143 or email the editor. You can also submitphotos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.