Michigan restaurants prepare for the return of dine-in customers

NILES, Mich.--- Michigan restaurants owners are preparing for the return of dine-in customers following an announcement by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Friday. Starting February 1st restaurants and bars can open at 25 percent capacity with no more than six people at a table.

The announcement comes as welcome news for Nate Barnett, General Manger of Create Bar and Grill on 11th street in Niles. 

"Everybody’s really eager," said Barnett. "They’re coming in, the food’s been amazing for everyone but then at the same time, everyone’s like 'Oh I can’t wait to come in and try the restaurant and sit in the restaurant,'”.

At Jim's Smokin' Café on Main Street in Niles owner James Morris says he's already preparing for the return of dine-in customers. 

"We’ve been pretty prepped out ever since this thing whole thing started," said Morris. "It’s just some of the new rules, we’re supposed to be possibly taking names and numbers again, more limited seating so there’s just some stuff we have to find out about."

Morris and Barnett both say they're most looking forward to the being able to see their customers' smiling faces as they enjoy their food in the restaurants for the first time in months. 

"We’re just excited to meet people face to face and have them in our restaurant," said Barnett. "We’re really excited about that."