'Exciting day:' Milwaukee Public Market reopens with safety measures

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- After being closed for nearly three months, the Milwaukee Public Market is welcoming back its customers. It officially reopened Tuesday, June 10 with limited dining.

“I think it’s a good thing, you know," said customer, Aaron Schmidt. "It’s kind of getting the spirit back in the city in the Third Ward."

Executive director Paul Scwartz said they are implementing some precautions due to the coronavirus pandemic. “All employees in the market are required to wear masks, required to do daily temperature screenings. We have reduced our seating capacity," he said.

The second level has been closed off to seating, but there are options on the first level and outdoors near the building. For added safety, touch-free hand sanitizing stations have been placed throughout the public market. They also upgraded their air and cooling system for more filtration. In addition, the public market added stickers on the floor reminding patrons to social distance at least 6-feet apart.

Workers at St. Paul Fish Company have been waiting to reopen.

“We’re so excited. You know, it’s been a long process getting reopened and getting people back in the building and back in the dining room is truly an exciting day for us,” said J.P. Toske, executive chef and operations manager.

They placed shields at the bar and have barriers in between each table in the dining room. “It’d be really nice to have some of that energy back in the building and some of that public market energy that we’re known for,” Toske said.

The locally owned 17 vendors hope people will support their small businesses.