Heather Weaver’s vision for Reel Java and Creamery involved a place where people could enjoy coffee and food, catch up on conversation, study, and gather together.
Until the spring of this year, that’s what the restaurant at Timber Pointe Resort was. In the age of COVID-19 and new restrictions placed on restaurants, Weaver said she, like numerous other restaurant owners locally and around the state, have had to try to get creative and rethink ways to not only serve their customers, but simply stay afloat.
“What we, of course, wanted was this atmosphere of coziness, a place for people to come and sit, to study,” Weaver said. “We wanted a place for businesses to have a place for business meetings. You know, all that. So all of that has been impacted and we’ve had to try to get creative on things.”
The restrictions put in place by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear run through Sunday, Dec. 13. Those restrictions do not permit restaurants to allow indoor dining but do allow for options such as delivery, carryout, curbside service, and socially distanced outdoor dining.
Weaver said Reel Java and Creamery is lucky to be able to have a back patio that provides for socially distanced outdoor dining. The back patio is typically a popular choice for customers when the weather is warm, but some have still decided to take advantage during the colder months when the temperatures aren’t too cold.
“I think it gives people a sense of still being able to go out,” Weaver said.
But Weaver added that there has been a notable increase in the number of call-in orders and the restaurant offers curbside takeout as a means of accommodating people who may not feel comfortable going in to pick up their order.
Owning a restaurant is challenging. The profit margins are thin. In an area like Russell County, where the local economy relies a lot on tourism, the winter months are difficult as is. Throw in restrictions that don’t permit indoor dining, and it makes things substantially more difficult for a local restaurant.
“It’s hard,” Weaver said, referencing the transition between the busy summer months and the slow season that begins in the fall. “You go from really busy all the time to slowing way down. As a business owner, you’re just figuring out how you can avoid waste, you don’t want to slow your employees down. We have a great group of employees that are here, so we want to keep them employed and keep them staffed.”
Weaver said the new restrictions change the way restaurant owners have to think about running their businesses.
“It just slows things down, changes your processes, makes you think about how many people need to be on staff,” Weaver said.
Reel Java has also been trying to market their boutique located inside the restaurant as a way to get creative amidst the restrictions. With Christmas approaching, she said it’s been another way the business tries to think outside the box.
“We’re a small business and we still want to serve people, so when restrictions like these are placed on us, we just have to try to adjust,” Weaver said.
While it’s been a challenge, Weaver said she tries to look at the positives in the current situation.
“I’m actually thankful for this in a way because it’s kind of forced us to be creative, and I like being creative,” Weaver said.
Weaver said she’s grateful for the support that’s been shown to her small business during this time by the community.
“People are supportive,” Weaver said. “They want to support small business, I think. Our community has been so good and clear about that.”
One way that many restaurants are encouraging people to support them during the restrictions is purchasing gift cards. Gift card purchases provide cash flow to restaurants that customers can redeem at a later time when in-person dining is permitted. Weaver said that idea was a great way for people to support local restaurants during this time.
“Right now is a great time for gift card purchases with Christmas coming up, so purchasing gift cards is definitely helpful during this time,” she said.
In the midst of COVID-19, Weaver said restaurants are doing their part to try to keep people safe and she’s thankful for all of those who are supporting small businesses.
“We’re just thankful for everyone who is supporting us in any way that they can,” Weaver said. “I just really appreciate the way this community has come out in full force to keep us rolling.”
