A group looks for an outdoor spot to have lunch at Gilligan's Island restaurant in Sherburne Monday. Recently New York State extended the phase two reopening of restaurants to include outdoor dining. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)

CHENANGO COUNTY - As of June 3, the New York State extended the phase two reopening of restaurants to include outdoor dining.

The Department of Health defines an outdoor space as an open air space without a fixed roof, besides a temporary or seasonal awning or cover.

There are specific protocols that have been put in place that business owners must follow to allow outdoor dining. Tables must be spaced at least 6 feet apart from each other. Tables are allowed to hold a maximum of ten people per table, and individuals seated at a table must be members of the same party, but are allowed to be from different households.

Patrons are encouraged to wait in their cars until they are able to be seated. If unable to wait in their car, the DOH states they must wear a face covering until seated. Workers must wear a face covering at all times.

Being unable to provide banquet services at this time, Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich has opened up their outdoor patio for dining service.

The club is open for outdoor dining Monday through Friday from noon to 9 p.m. and is now providing their full menu.

"We used to limit hours due to banquet business, but since we're not doing those right now we've started playing with weekend hours when the weather is nice," said Canasawacta Country Club owner, Tim Carson.

"We were already set up to maintain social distancing. We've been going by all the written guidelines, staff are wearing masks and gloves. When we first started outdoor dining we were doing plastic wear, but recently we went back to metal," said Carson.

Like many other restaurants, the country club is still doing take out service as well. Carson said the outdoor dining service has gotten off to a slow start, but hopes to see an increase over time.

Gilligan's in Sherburne has invested in the allowance of outdoor dining, and doubled the amount of seating with extra tables.

Co-Owner of Gilligan's Andy Lagoe said all the tables are at least six feet apart and hand sanitize has been placed at each sitting area.

"There's no table side service, but we still have staff out cleaning the tables. They are wood picnic tables so they're less apt to attract the virus. We have a pick up window outside, as well as a drive thru and people can still come inside to order if they like. You can also call your order in ahead of time," said Lagoe.

Lagoe said they have seen an increase in patrons since the allowance of outdoor dining.

"It's nice outside and people are tired of being cooped up. So they're coming out for ice cream and a quick bite to eat," said Lagoe.

Both buisnesses have seen a fall and rise in patronage during the pandemic, but both are hopeful that as the state reopens business will be back on the rise.