Area business owners are still working to stay afloat; as the Finger Lakes region gets the green light to move to Phase 2 of reopening. Dining-in at restaurants remains in Phase 3. This includes the Arnett Cafe in Rochester. 

"We're not a big chain," said Co-owner Norman Brown. "We have to really continue for the people to come out and support all local businesses. Not just my local business but all local businesses."

What You Need To Know

  • Dinning-in at Rochester restaurants will have to wait until Phase 3

  • The Arnett Cafe has seen a 50-percent drop in business

  • They have survived thanks in part to social media and the Door Dash delivery service

  • The New York State Restaurant Association is hoping restaurants will be allowed to have outdoor seating before Phase 3

Its been months since dining in a restaurant was the norm.

"We have that southern flair that we try to present to the city of Rochester, and it's really been working so far for the last eight years." 

Brown says it has been a struggle, but he's optimistic. The Arnett Cafe saw a 50 percent decline in clientele, but was able to salvage the loss by taking to social media and Door Dash food delivery service.

Word of mouth from loyal patrons has also been a help. 

"A lot of Facebook. Reaching out to a lot of people letting them know that we are still opened at this time. That 50 percent that I lost capacity sitting inside, Door Dash maybe picked up 40 percent and that helps us out."

The New York State Restaurant Association urges the state to allow outdoor dining amid the pandemic. Norman says if approved, this is a possibility for his location. However, keeping patrons and workers safe is top priority. 

"If you look around, there is just a different type of local businesses where you can't just block the entrance. Here it is hard to do outside seating and continue to have social distance. I just said we are going to build up my delivery service, and just to try and adjust that way until people are really comfortable enough to come in and start sitting down again." 

Face coverings are required and there is no waiting inside at the Arnett Cafe. Patrons can stop in to place takeout orders or call ahead. Food will be brought out by servers when it's ready. 

In just a few weeks, if all goes well, restaurants are gearing up to be ready to go... 

"If I have to have just two or three seats for people to feel comfortable here, I'm ready."