The lights have been on, and soon people will be at home in their favorite restaurants.

Butler County moves Friday to the green phase of Gov. Tom Wolf's reopening of the state's economy. Reaching green phase means restaurants and bars will be able to open to sit-in customers, but at 50 percent capacity to help adhere to social distancing protocols.

“I'd love to be 100 percent,” said Joe Savage, owner of Monte Cellos restaurant in Cranberry Township. “But, I'm happy with 50 percent as long as it's safe.”

Savage said the goal is to reopen the restaurant as safely as possible because if a COVID-19 case arises within his restaurant, it could fully shut it down for multiple weeks and potentially close it. He said safety is his top motivation moving forward.

[naviga:h3]Safety first[/naviga:h3]

Kelly Huffman, managing partner of Texas Roadhouse in Center Township, said he and his staff will comply with all regulations, although he feels his steakhouse could reopen at 100 percent now with proper precautions.

He said his staff will be wearing gloves and masks throughout the restaurant, even in the dining area, which is not required by the state.

“I would trade gloves and masks to have my dining room full again,” Huffman said.

Bonnie Rakarich, co-owner of the Monroe Hotel in Butler, said she and her staff will be following recommendations of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. She said dividers have been placed between booths and seating has been cut back.

Rakarich said there also is guidance for customers.

“They are recommending that customers wear masks going into the building, going to the bathroom or moving around the building,” she said. “They can remove masks when they're eating.”

Rakarich has heard many customers say they will be willing to eat in the restaurant.

“Everybody just can't wait. We have a few repeat customers and loyal customers,” Rakarich said. “People are just anxious to be able to get out and not worry about the spread of this disease.”

Erin Weaver, of Butler, said she is a frequent customer at the Monroe Hotel. She said she and her husband go often and enjoy just about everything on the menu.

“They've always been very good to us,” Weaver said “They're kind of like our family. We miss it. We'd rather go there and eat and enjoy their company.”

Bill Brown, of Butler, said he and his family make it a point to go to the Monroe Hotel every Friday as part of their family tradition. He said being able to return to this tradition feels good. He said it gives him a sense of normal that he felt many people, including himself, took for granted.

“It just reassures us that things are getting better,” Brown said. “We hope to God that things continue to improve and we can get back to the lovely environment that we've had given to us prior to this coronavirus.”

[naviga:h3]Revenue boost[/naviga:h3]

The added revenue couldn't come at a better time, according to Huffman, who said his business has suffered devastating setbacks since the pandemic began, estimating at its worst 70 percent lost revenue and at its best with fully functioning curbside pickup, 40 percent losses.

“I know that Texas Roadhouse is certainly more fortunate than some small businesses that won't be able to recover,” Huffman said. “I hate to see that. It hurts my heart. That's the worst part of this whole thing.”

Savage said his restaurant was designed for a lot of delivery and pickup, so he has also done well, but like Huffman, he feels sorry for businesses that are struggling. He said opening even at 50 percent should help alleviate that burden across the board.

“It'll be a big benefit,” Savage said.

Monte Cellos customers looking to dine in will experience a similar setup to the one used for takeout orders.

He said customers will be directed to one door where they will enter. They will have to wait in line with those picking up food and will be seated by staff, per guidance from the state.

Savage said other parts of the dining experience will be a little different.

“Nothing will be on the tables. If they want something like salt, pepper or cheese, that'll be requested, and we'll give them to them at that point,” he said. “We didn't take any tables out because we didn't have anywhere to put them. We taped them off.”

Savage said Monte Cellos will open to diners Monday in hopes of refining their procedures during the slow, early days of the week.

“I think everyone's going to want to get out. It'll be great for business,” he said. “We just gotta get the kinks out and hopefully customers will understand while we go through that.”

Huffman said there will be no wait for Texas Roadhouse. He said he appreciates the support the community has offered, and they are excited to serve them more.

“We're opening on Friday at 11,” Huffman said. “We can't wait to go.”