Orillia’s See You on the Patio program is now deep into its second summer, and business is still booming every weekend.
Samir Hanna, the owner of Sanafir Mediterranean Restaurant, says the See You on the Patio program is his restaurant's bread and butter.
“It brings more clientele, and with it being outside we can serve people at more than full capacity of what we can fit inside,” he said.
“It brings people out in a safe environment where they are unlikely to get sick from the virus.”
Hanna says this year’s See You on the Patio program has been busier than last year.
“So far, every time we put the tables outside it gets extremely busy,” he said.
“It’s a great idea for everyone in the city. I hope we see this continue every summer, and I think the city will be willing to do that,” he said.
The atmosphere downtown every Friday and Saturday is an experience like no other, Hanna says.
“You hear the people’s laughter, you see the joy in people’s faces, and there is no background noise from cars or motorcycles,” he said.
Lisa Particelli, co-owner of Tre Sorelle, says the See You on the Patio program showcases what her restaurant is all about.
“We are not typically open for dinner, we are primarily takeout, so to do this is great,” she said.
While Saturdays bring good business, Particelli says it’s the Friday night when business really gets booming.
“Friday is definitely the stronger day, and for revenue, it’s just awesome what it brings in,” she said.
“It helps us recoup some of what we lost during the pandemic; it really is such a good thing.”
Particelli encourages Orillians who have yet to check out the See You on the Patio program to experience it before the summer ends.
Simon MacRae, co-owner of The Common Stove, says the See You on the Patio program has been a "game changer: for the one-year-old restaurant.
“It’s one of the principal reasons as to why we are here, and it’s been a lot of fun to participate in,” he said.
MacRae says the See You on the Patio program is helping the restaurant recover from lost earnings from the pandemic.
“I think this is a great thing not only for us, but also for everyone in the city. When you swing by to see it in action on a Friday or Saturday you feel the energy; it’s a mini-festival,” he said.
MacRae says the See You on the Patio program is also helping ease people back into normal activities after living in the pandemic for nearly two full years.
“We’ve been seeing some of our customers who aren’t quite ready to dine inside. The space that we have on the street allows us to spread everyone out quite nicely,” he said.
Orillia resident Doug Sexsmith was enjoying the See You on the Patio program this weekend with his wife and friends from out of town.
“During the pandemic, we’ve felt really bad for the restaurants because they haven’t been open consistently until now. It’s nice that we can string some days together now where they can get back to business as usual,” he said.
Sexsmith says the atmosphere in downtown Orillia during the See You on the Patio program is something everyone should experience.
“We’ve only been down a couple of times, but it’s a great atmosphere. It’s very casual, and I love seeing more people here on the main street.”
