COLORADO SPRINGS — Many restaurants across Southern Colorado woke up surprised to learn they can now offer dine-in services.
Saturday night, El Paso County approved a variance for in-person dining. The variance says restaurant owners must stay at 50 percent capacity and dining parties can include no more than 10 people.
One restaurant owner says it's a welcomed relief, but now she has to hurry to get her staff ready.
"It's nerve racking. We weren't ready to start today but we will start offering dine-in services Monday," said Susan Whitlock, General Manager of the 'Omelette Parlor' in Colorado Springs.
Whitlock says these past few months at her diner have been rough. Customers have dwindled, shift hours were cut, and some workers were even laid off.
To keep the restaurant clean and afloat, staff members wear masks and gloves. They prepare the meals indoors, while customers make their orders from their cars.
Whitlock told News5, despite the good news she is still nervous about opening up.
"We are going to do all that we can while being safe," she explained. "We are moving into this slowly, so we are going to be learning everyday what's allowed and what our customers are looking for while, staying within the perimeters of what we are allowed to do."
Whitlock plans on using her patio to follow the occupancy requirements. she's also in the process of posting different menus on the walls of her diner, instead of passing them out.
