Times are hard for everyone in the spring of 2020, but especially businesses. Local and statewide ‘stay-at-home’ orders have reduced the number of customers coming into shops and making purchases. Furthermore, social distancing regulations enforced by public health will likely continue to keep traffic low. So how do businesses bring back the patrons? The Inn at Little Washington is getting creative to do two things: keep customers safe and offer a unique dining experience in the midst of a global pandemic.
Model Customers Take A Seat
To keep patrons more than six feet apart, the most common regulation to prevent the spread of COVID-19, daily operations are going to look strange in businesses everywhere. However, one Virginia restaurant is taking special steps to make guests feel more comfortable under these new regulations. Or at least that is what they are attempting to do.
Owners, in order to meet the Virginia Governor’s reopening restrictions for restaurants to operate at only fifty percent capacity, plan to fill most of their tables with ‘model’ diners. Thus, up to half of the tables could be seated with regular customers, and the other half will be occupied permanently by plastic clothing mannequins. Seems strange? Well, these mannequins won’t be just sitting idle, as all have been dressed in a 1940’s style and posed to match the ambiance of the restaurant. Some mannequins are on dates, others are engaged in business meetings, and one is even proposing to his girlfriend over their meal (which seems incredibly cute!). To add to the realism, waiters will offer the mannequins beverages from time to time too – including wine. (1, 2)
Tacky Or Tasteful?
The Inn at Little Washington is a world-renowned restaurant, and currently holds 3-Michelin star for dining excellence. Because of this prestige, some critics have cast judgment on the restaurant’s owners for pursuing this type of dining experience or pushing to operate during the pandemic. However, others are pleasantly intrigued and entertained by the idea of eating alongside mannequins. Anything to make life fun again, right? The Inn’s chef, Patrick O’Connell, told the Washingtonian, “I think it would do people a world of good to reduce their anxiety level when they come out to a place which is still unaffected”.
It should also be noted that this type of ‘whacky’ restaurant experience is not that uncommon for the Inn at Little Washington. In the past, the restaurant has offered customers cheese from a ‘mooing’ cow cart, and waiters have been instructed to speak exclusively in puns.
To make the mannequin concept a reality, the Inn partnered with two local businesses and created an entirely new menu to appropriate the atmospheric whimsy. To further prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the restaurant, the staff will also conduct routine deep cleanings with an infrared light and sport custom-made masks with Marilyn Monroe’s smile and George Washington’s chin. (1, 2)
How Other Restaurants May Manage Social Distancing
With no business exempt from social distancing, you should expect to see at least some changes at the stores, gyms, and restaurants you typically frequent. Restaurants may have some tables removed, barriers erected, and markings on the floor to direct customers movements in the establishment. But don’t be surprised to see even more creative solutions coming! From blow-up dolls to shower curtains, more unique ideas like the Inn’s are at play. (3) Just keep your eyes and mind open – and stay safe!
