Olympia area businesses scramble to adapt to Phase 2 reopening
Thurston County retailers were allowed to open their doors under strict guidelines last week after the county was approved Wednesday to move into Phase 2 of the governor’s reopening plan during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subject to certain rules, retailers can do in-store business, restaurants can offer dining at half their usual capacity, and barbers and beauty salons can operate.
But after the extended pandemic shutdown, not every business was ready to reopen. Some did open immediately, some are still getting ready, and one major business in Olympia won’t move into the next phase at all because of ongoing concerns about the virus.
The Olympia Downtown Alliance found that of 60 food service and retail businesses in downtown Olympia’s core, only 19 were open for “in-house” customers last week.
ODA Executive Director Todd Cutts said he is trying to get a better understanding of what’s going on by releasing a survey to about 450 business owners downtown.
Among the questions the survey is posing is whether the business is planning to reopen now, or plans to reopen at all, he said. The survey was released Friday with first results expected by midweek, he said.
David Schaffert, president and chief executive of the 1,400-member Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, expects businesses to reopen as quickly as possible.
The question for him is less about businesses opening and more about consumers. He wonders whether there will be a market for the businesses and whether consumer spending habits will be the same.
Thurston Economic Development Council Executive Director Michael Cade echoed Schaffert’s concerns. But he also praised the steps taken by the county.
“Phase 2 is really important,” he said. “The county has done the right thing to move us forward.”
Here’s how a handful of local businesses reacted to the county’s Phase 2 late last week.
State and Central
State and Central, a pub up State Avenue from downtown Olympia, touted its expanded operations under Phase 2, according to an announcement on Facebook.
“Phase Two, we are ready for you!” the business announced. “Nothing will stand between you and your favorite burger, except that plexiglass window that we’ve installed for your safety.”
During the sunny, warm weather Thursday and Friday, the pub had a handful of tables set up outside that were quickly filled. The business also reminded customers that if they’re not ready for dine-in service just yet, State and Central is still available to do takeout orders.
The Popinjay
The Popinjay, a longtime gift shop in downtown Olympia, expects to open for in-store business this Wednesday, owner Janis Dean said.
She probably could’ve opened earlier, but she wants to go over her retail inventory and get her place ready in other ways, Dean said.
She has installed sneeze guards and has plenty of hand sanitizer, but she also needs to address her double doors — making sure customers enter and exit safely — and her popular counter of chocolate sales. Customers tend to gather around it, so she wants to come up with a system set up for one customer at a time, she said.
Although she has done some curbside business and had online sales, the store largely went three months without revenue. She was able to secure a grant and a Small Business Administration “paycheck protection program” loan that helped her retain staff.
Dean also considered retirement. But now, she’s optimistic.
“I’m going to dig in and do it,” she said.
Ricardo’s Kitchen & Bar
At the restaurant in Lacey’s midtown, owner Rick Nelsen had a soft opening last Wednesday night on the patio, then was set to accept reservations for this weekend, he said.
“It feels good and I want to start cooking,” he said Thursday about being back in business.
Prior to Phase 2, Ricardo’s was doing about 25 percent of his normal business in takeout orders, adding that customers didn’t think of Ricardo’s as a takeout destination. So, with his extra time, he remodeled the restaurant and is ready to serve customers at tables that are appropriately spaced for Phase 2. Customers also can expect to see mask-wearing servers.
Nelsen is not offering lunch service now, but the Ricardo’s happy hour is set to return Tuesday, he said.
Batdorf & Bronson
The Olympia-based coffee roaster, wholesaler and retailer is not going to take full advantage of Phase 2, at least not yet, because of concerns about safety, said David Wasson, president and chief operating officer.
The business and its flagship store on Capitol Way have been open for grab-and-go service throughout the pandemic, he said. Customers are socially distanced, employees wear masks and the business has invested about $20,000 in a variety of plastic guards, he said.
Under Phase 2, the business could return to a certain amount of in-store seating, but Wasson said he’s not ready for it.
“I’m going to leave it alone,” he said, because he’s concerned about a second wave of virus outbreaks. He pointed out that cafe customers “love to sit for hours.”
“This is what is safest for us until more people come out and get used to the new normal,” added Krista Bentow, western retail operations manager for the business.
The Dancing Goats location near the farmers market is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for grab-and-go service, but Batdorf’s tasting room, also near the market, is closed because it’s too small for adequate social distancing, Wasson said.
Jean-Pierre’s Three16
The Tumwater restaurant isn’t going to jump into the next phase just yet, co-owner Kerri Simon told The Olympian.
They first want to make sure there’s no surge in local COVID-19 cases, so the plan is to open the restaurant during the second weekend of June, she said.
“We’re going to be patient,” Simon said.
But the restaurant has had success with its takeout business. They came up with a limited menu, lowered their prices and produced brunch, burgers and barbecue for the weekends. Simon said they would receive an order, prepare it, then put it in the trunk of the waiting vehicle.
“It is totally contactless,” she said.
Moda Capelli
The downtown beauty salon on Capitol Way is planning to open Tuesday, the business announced on Facebook.
It appears they will be very busy.
“We know everyone wants to get in ASAP (and we want that too!), but first our stylists will be working their way through their cancellation lists,” a store announcement reads. “So make yourself available to respond quickly to that text/call.”
After that, the business will call customers from a “request an appointment” call list.
“Remember to be patient with us as we try to get everyone back on our books!! We appreciate you!” the Facebook post reads.
Help for business owners
If you need tips on how to restart your business, go to Thurston Strong and click on the Smart Restart Toolkit for Business.
More information about Phase 2 business guidelines can be found on the governor’s website.
Reopening? We want to hear from you
The Olympian wants to keep readers informed about which businesses are opening in Phase 2. Send us an email at news@theolympian.com with information about location, hours, phone number and best place to get information online, plus special requirements, limited offerings, etc.
