Milton restaurants reopening as Ontario lifts restrictions

By: Laura Steiner – Milton Reporter Staff

Milton restaurants are starting to welcome customers as the COVID-19 restrictions lift for what they hope will be the last time.

Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Scott McCammon characterizes the reaction as a wait-and-see attitude.  “People are thankful the measures are being lifted but there is the fear closures can come back as quickly as in the past,” he told the Milton Reporter.  2022 started with a return to a modified step two on the province’s roadmap resulting in restaurants’ closing their dining rooms, and offering takeout.

90% of foodservice businesses have used federal rent and wage subsidies, according to Restaurants Canada, an industry advocacy group.

Amreek Bhullar owns Casa Americo, an Italian bistro and restaurant, says people are slow to return after the lockdown.  “Our lunches are, you get one, two tables, about two or three days later; coming closer to the weekend you get more.  People are still nervous getting out more,” he said.  There were two tables of people in the restaurant Wednesday afternoon during this interview.

 He describes his restaurant as affordable when compared to other restaurants on Main St. with prices ranging from $8 for a bowl of soup to $52 for a rack of lamb.  

Bhullar notes the effects of being outside again.  “It’s coming up for two years, and they need to get out and socialize, and it’s to relax their mental state,” he said.  His Main St. location means people can take a walk along the street outside after their meal.

Tina Cooke owns Barn Door Studio and café.  “We’ve been up against a lot, especially in January with capacity going down 50%.  That was a bit of a struggle for us because we have a small seating area,” Cooke said. They started as a retail area, offering make-your-own workshops. The café was added with limited seating along the front window, and along one side of the unit.  “It’s been tough for everyone.  Everybody on this street has suffered a bit.  But no in February it’s starting to come back,” she said.

McCammon also says there’s a lot of gratitude. “Businesses are thankful to have community support with takeout, curbside and when possible, dining in.”  The Chamber has been active in helping the business community find financial relief, but is finding it more challenging with the last lockdown. “Many measures do not give operating funds to help keep doors open, and pay staff,” he said.

80% of foodservice businesses have lost money or are barely breaking even since the pandemic first started.  Restaurants are eligible for the $10,000 Ontario Small Business Relief Grant (OSBRG).  Applications are open now, until March 11, 2022.  For more information visit the Chamber’s website: Milton Chamber of Commerce 

“Hopefully going forward, we will not see any more lockdowns like this,” Bhullar said.