Restaurants and bars including Bo's Bar and Stage are preparing to close to in-person dining for the second time this year starting this weekend. (Photo from Bo's Bar and Stage Facebook page)

By Sheldon Spackman

Staying Alive

Local restaurants again preparing for take-out and delivery only

Dec 10, 2020 | 2:20 PM

News from the Alberta government on Tuesday that new public health measures were being implemented over the next several weeks came as no surprise to many businesses.

Brennen Wowk, owner of Bo’s Bar and Stage in Red Deer, admits he anticipated a shutdown was on the horizon.

“Hopefully, Albertans follow regulations and help lower the numbers and do their part to help take the stress off our health care system,” says Wowk. “We have learned a lot from the first lockdown and navigating through the regulations since reopening. Business owners are resilient and COVID has pushed us to be creative and find new avenues to help our businesses survive.”

Wowk says his team at Bo’s has developed a food program to allow customers to enjoy a Bo’s experience in their own home.

“Bo’s Quality Provisions started with a quick phone call and has evolved into something we are quite proud of,” he explains. “The hospitality industry has been a leader in providing a safe environment for Albertans seeking dining, and socialization in the COVID era. I am proud of what we and other great restaurant/bar operators have done to keep our guests and teams safe.”

Missing: Nisa Pakyurek, 15, of Parkland County

5m ago

$39.4 million

Town of Ponoka approves 2026 interim budget

14m ago

600 homes

Mayor clarifies cause of now-concluded boil water advisory for half of Penhold

34m ago

Wowk says it’s important to acknowledge that industry operators have spent immeasurable time and resources installing PPE and modifying operations to align with suggested Alberta Health guidelines.

“The diligent work of our operators has resulted in little case transmission in restaurants and bars across Red Deer and the province as a whole throughout this pandemic,” he remarks. “As a business owner I worry about my employees. This has been a tough time for them.”

Wowk adds, however, that he does feel we all must do our part to ensure we lower the numbers of COVID-19 in our province and help take the stress off our health care system.

“Hopefully, we can reopen in a timely manner in a way that aligns with the viability of our industry. Current measures such as curfews and household dining restrictions have to be addressed during our forced closure. That had a massive negative impact on this industry as a whole.”

Wowk anticipates the new public health measures will have a massive impact on his business.

“December is by far our busiest season,” he points out. “As a large event-driven room that is generally fully booked over the holiday season, this will hurt. But as I mentioned, business owners and their teams are resilient. We will grind and continue to get food out and into our loyal customer’s homes.”

Despite current circumstances, Wowk says he loves Red Deer and all the support his business has received from the community.

“I have to say the support and messages we have seen from our customers has been amazing,” he shared. “Waking up this morning and seeing a large amount of orders off our Provisions and Christmas Dinner menu warmed my heart. I love that we as a community are really looking to support local. I hope this continues well past COVID times.

“I would also like to say how amazing it is to be receiving emails from people asking how they can buy food and get it to those in need. It goes to show that even in these tough times we have compassion for each other and we are there to support each other.”