Berlin restaurants prepare for outdoor service

BERLIN, Md. – Restaurants in Maryland have been given the green light to reopen for outdoor dining under certain guidelines. The order goes into place Friday at 5 p.m. Local restaurant owners say it was a welcome change, but one that came at short notice. “There’s a lot of moving parts – additional moving parts – that we have to deal with, but it is what it is,” said DiFebo’s Italian Restaurant co-owner Jeff Osias.

Berlin town officials tell 47ABC that they had to work quickly to get restaurants ready to begin outdoor service, but they’re excited about the potential it brings to their community. “I think that anything outdoors is good for everybody. I do believe that sitting outside and eating – as long as we keep everything sanitized, which we will – I think it’s a great idea said director of community and economic development Ivy Wells.

Osias says his restaurant has eight seats out front, and that he’s optimistic about any additional business the limited number will bring. He says they’re now working out the details of how to safely serve their customers. “We’re pretty poised for success in this new realm. Paper menus, there’ll be nothing on the table when you get there. Utensils will be presented by the server from a tray,” said Osias.

Wells tells 47ABC that outdoor dining will help bring Berlin back to a sense of normalcy, but safety takes top priority. “I’m cautiously optimistic. I believe that there will be a time when we need to open back up again but I don’t want it to be too soon. I want to make sure that people feel comfortable and safe about being able to shop and dine,” said Wells.

Osais says he’s excited to start feeding his community with sit-down service once more. “We’re happy to be back in business, and I am passionate about food. Difebo’s is passionate about making great food, so that’s what we’re looking forward to,” said Osias.