'Things went well:' Milwaukee restaurants welcome customers back

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A number of Milwaukee bars and restaurants reopened with capacity restrictions after getting the greenlight from the city. 

At ‘Brunch,’ located downtown, managers say it’s good to get back to their old rhythm after being closed for nearly three months.

“There’s people here,” said Zak Heiniger, Brunch assistant general manager. “I can bounce around, there’s music, conversation, people back at the bar, mixing drinks again.”

The breakfast spot resumed dine-in service on Saturday once Mayor Tom Barrett announced restaurants and bars could reopen at 25-percent capacity as part of phase three.

“Sunday was pretty busy, actually. I was very pleasantly surprised.”

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, dining-in is different. “We used to have place mats, a plate, a mug, all that stuff on the table – all that’s gone,” Heiniger said.

Food is served out of to-go containers, all servers wear masks, and everything is wiped down.

Meantime, at Steny’s Tavern & Grill in Walker's Point, management says despite having to make changes, things went well. “Honestly, amazing," said Jojo Lutkus, manager. "Just the excitement of being able to open was great.” 

They made adjustments including getting rid of glassware, and spacing tables and stools out for social distancing. Due to the 25-percent capacity restriction, they turned people away.

“Fifty is kind of where’s we’re capping it. 55-50, just to be safe,” Lutkus said.