CLEVELAND — For restaurateur Zack Bruell, he knows an evening at a restaurant can offer an escape for customers.
"They've been cooped up. This is cabin fever on steroids."
Today, the restaurant landscape has dramatically changed, so when customers are welcomed back to Parallax this weekend he's making sure it is done the right way.
"We have a social responsibility," Bruell said.
While following state-mandated rules, Bruell is also leaning on the Cleveland Clinic for guidance.
"They've offered their expertise to me, and I have given them my expertise."
Bruell said the two have created a manual on how restaurants can open up correctly and safely in this process. Throughout this reopening, Bruell said the Clinic will come in and observe, providing feedback on how they can continue to provide excellent service in the safest way possible.
In preparation for reopening, Bruell has had to retrain his staff, tables have been taken out to ensure they are six feet apart with plexiglass dividers. Also, tables won't be set at first. Instead, silverware will be provided once guests are seated. Once the guests are done with their meal, then their seat and table will be sanitized.
At Bruell's restaurants, including Parallax, Alley Cat Oyster Bar and L'Albatros Brasserie, customers will be required to wear face masks until they are seated at their table. On top of that, they will be given a mandatory temperature check upon arrival.
"I'm sure it will be alarming at first," Bruell said. "But we are going to explain it to people when we reconfirm the reservation or when the reservation is made."
A new dining experience, with safety top of mind.
"You've got your two hours of escape in a safe environment."
Bruell's restaurants will all open Friday for inside dining.
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