PORTLAND, Maine — Looking back at this fall and summer season, it was tough to complain about the weather. This might make thinking about winter, and the reality of snow, a little tough, especially during a mild week like this one.
In Portland Wednesday, restaurants and businesses were doing their part to prepare for the cold season. All outdoor dining parklets, patios, and street seating need to cleared out by this week, according to city guidelines.
“Day in and day out, up until we closed the patio, people wanted to sit there," Rosie's Restaurant & Pub bartender Kelly Strenquist said.
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Rosie's staff members were finishing up their final takedowns Wednesday as the restaurant had to part ways with a patio that stretched onto the cobblestones of Fore Street. A few hours later, cars filled the open spots infront of the building.
“It’s really sad to watch it go, even up until the last day we had it, people were in their puffy coats trying to catch a little sunshine until the end," Strenquist added.
The growth of outdoor dining in Maine may be one of the few benefits of the COVID-19 pandemic. Forced lockdowns of businesses, capacity restrictions, and curfews had a major impact on the entire industry and economy. But outdoor dining was introduced as a way to spread people out and reduce the chance of virus transmission and now that trend is growing.
“It was really a great benefit both to the companies but also to the folks coming to Portland," Larry Cushing, an operating manager for Rosie's and other Old Port restaurants said. “A lot of folks want to be outside.”
Cushing said in other cities he visits, he is always looking for the best outdoor dining spots, and he’s noticed locals and tourists doing the same in Portland.
He added the City of Portland has done a good job working with businesses regarding outdoor seating and is hopeful to expand or extend options in years to come.
“I think the future looks bright,” Cushing added.
NEWS CENTER Maine reached out to the City of Portland to speak with an official but was told no one was available Wednesday.