Darlene Simpson and Cindy Sabetti, owners of Dakota’s Sports Bar & Grill, say its a tough time for businesses due to the virus. Their tent with signage was affected in recent windstorm. Photo by Tom Godfrey.
Well-known New Toronto bar owners Darlene Simpson and Cindy Sabetti say they have been on a ‘rollercoaster ride’ running Dakota Sports Bar & Grill during these challenging times.
They, like many restaurants, dining rooms and bars in the area, barely survived the first 28-days without indoor dining, and still have about three weeks to go in a second 28-day prohibition of indoor service that was issued November 10 by the province to battle COVID-19.
“It has been a real tough rollercoaster ride,” Simpson says. “All our savings have been used up and this will make or break us.”
The business partners had purchased tents which were installed in their parking lot, but is now destroyed due to the storm. The tent had space for heaters, a number of socially distanced chairs, tables and area for her staff.
The now unused space was shared with neighbour Halibut House Fish and Chips, at 2814 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
“We have a 10-year lease and were operating for 18-months when the pandemic struck,” she recalls. “We have lost some customers but we do still have many people who support us.”
They also thrive on take-out orders and had to create more lunch and dinner specials for customers to choose from.
“We are down to our last resort now,” Sabetti agrees. “We have done all that we can and everything is riding on this.”
Down the street David Cole, owner of the Maple Leaf House Grill & Lounge, at 2749 Lake Shore Blvd. W., appears to be untouched by the storm. He has erected a large heated tarpaulin shed in his huge patio that is equipped with chairs and a large television.
“We have a large banquet hall that we cannot use due to COVID,” Cole says. “Our business has gone down about 50% due to the pandemic.”
His restaurant uses disposable dishes, glasses and other items that they can throw out to fight the virus.
“I have been here for 13-years and we have to do what we can to survive,” Cole vows. “This not only affects us, but the entire restaurant industry.”
Public Health officials say the second 28-day phase of a lack of indoor dining will end in early December. The restrictions applies to most gyms, indoor group fitness and exercise classes.