Many business owners amped up for 'going green' Friday

Marianne Anzovino knows she might have to separate some hugs Friday during the first day The Aerobic Center at Lynch Field in Greensburg is reopened, but hearing the whir of exercise machines and clang of free weights once again will be worth it.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a little chaotic,” said Anzovino, facility manager.

Business owners around the region have been preparing to reopen after being shut down since mid-March to mitigate the spread of covid-19. They’ve added extra cleaning protocols and carefully considered how patrons can use the facilities in a socially distant way.

Nail salons, barbershops, gyms and bowling alleys are among the businesses permitted to reopen locally Friday, under certain restrictions. And restaurants will be allowed to provide sit-down service, although with limited seating.

Plastic has been erected around the front desk at The Aerobic Center and extra cleaning stations have been set out. Every other exercise machine has been blocked off and capacity limits will be in place for group classes. Extra staff will be on hand Friday and during busy times to make sure exercisers are following the new rules.

“We’ve done every step possible, we believe, to make it safe,” said Roman Carloni, assistant manager. “I think we’re expecting a pretty good first day.”

David’s Diner along Freeport Road in Springdale Township will be serving up a heaping helping of its homemade classic American entrees along with a healthy dose of patriotism.

Come Friday, the American flags will be flying and veterans and first responders will still receive a 10% discount. Taco salad and homemade mushroom and wedding soups will be on special alongside some diner favorites.

But things will be different.

“It’s going to be a whole new ball game,” said co-owner Linda Speer. “Hopefully, this is going to pan over and we will get back to normal — to whatever normal is.”

There will be no crowded lunch counter as social distancing will allow only six patrons at a time. In the dining room, only 17 can be seated.

Now, there will be disposable menus. Diner personnel will add salt, pepper and other condiments to customers’ food so multiple people don’t have to touch the same salt shaker. Tables won’t just be wiped off between customer seatings but sanitized. Bathroom door handles and other commonly touched surfaces will have to be sanitized every hour.

Regardless of the extra work and new procedures, Speer is excited to reopen for indoor dining.

“I’m hoping to see a lot of people I haven’t seen since this whole thing started,” she said. “Let’s rock. It’s going to be great.”

Jim Heater is looking forward to hearing tenpins crashing again at Main Bowling Center in Greensburg. The venue is taking reservations for bowling times but won’t turn away walk-ins if lanes are open.

“I feel pretty confident in what we’re doing here,” said Heater, the manager.

Some chairs at the alley have been removed and a plastic barrier is hung between seating areas that are close to each other. Bowlers will not be able to walk around to try out different balls — there will be four bowling balls waiting at each lane and workers can help bowlers pick a different one, if necessary.

After bowlers are done with their lanes, everything will be sanitized, Heater said.

“I’m thinking we’re going to be OK,” he said. “We’ve been on top of everything. That’s why we’re ready to go.”

Heather Erb teared up when asked how she felt about her two spas finally being able to re-open.

“It makes me want to cry,” said Erb, owner of Cloud 9 Massage, Facials & More. “It’s been very taxing (not) knowing whether or not I’m going to have my business in a month.”

Cloud 9 has locations in Harrison and Oakmont. Erb plans to open June 15 as opposed to Friday in order to give her employees more time to prepare. The services the spas offer involve touching and being in close contact with clients.

“I feel like you have to be mentally prepared to come back and do massages,” Erb said.

Erb has placed air purifiers in each room and sneeze guards will be installed at the front desks. Upon arrival, clients will be asked to wash their hands. Appointments will be staggered to give staff enough time to clean the rooms between clients. Clients won’t be required to wear face masks, but employees will.

“If they feel comfortable doing that, then by all means. But I’m not going to say, ‘You have to wear that mask,’” Erb said. “I’m going to let you make the decision that’s best for you.”

Restaurant owner says he’ll still lose money

David “Mogie” Magill, owner of Magill’s Grill & Mogie’s Irish Pub in Lower Burrell, said it is nice that Westmoreland County is moving to green, but he’s still going to be losing money.

His bar and restaurant will be able to serve customers only at 50% occupancy. He’s had to hire more staff to meet the guideline criteria for in-person dining and is paying a cleaning crew to come in twice a day.

“At 50% occupancy, it’s still a loser, and anybody in this business that tells you differently is fooling themselves,” Magill said. “My payroll’s going to go up. The cost of our food is all up. Basically, we’re going to continue to lose money.”

Magill expressed criticism of Gov. Tom Wolf’s decision to close nonessential businesses. He said the situation was handled poorly.

“To blow out the economy and so many business owners and lose so many jobs on a virus which has a 99% survival rate … I just can’t see it,” Magill said.