Rough Draft reopened on Feb. 1 with restrictions for the first time since the Nov. 18 orders.
Under Gov. Whitmer’s most recent epidemic order, restaurants are allowed to re-open with restrictions, which include 25% capacity, social distancing guidelines, and a 10 p.m. curfew.
“We’re definitely excited,” said Marty Hubbard, the owner of Rough Draft. “We’re not sure if the community will come out, because fear is prevalent, but we’re hopeful.”
According to Hubbard, Rough Draft’s 25% capacity cap would allow approximately 30 customers in the shop at once. If Whitmer’s order is lifted on Feb. 20, that number would increase to 50%, or 60 people.
Luckily, the student community has always been full of Rough Draft fanatics. Sophomore Samuel Schaefer has a special affinity for the coffee shop.
“Rough Draft was the place of my first date with my now-girlfriend,” Schaefer said. “I only have good memories there.”
For loyal customers like Schaefer, the re-opening of one of the town’s beloved coffee shops means more than a caffeine buzz; he said he looks forward to making more memories.
“I can’t wait to go back and have another date,” Schaefer said.
Junior Sophia Berryhill has worked at Rough Draft since August. She’s seen the shop through in-person dining and take-out dining which began last year in November, but said she can’t wait to welcome customers back inside.
“I feel for students because they’re the ones who have lamented the lack of dine-in just in general, but especially at Rough Draft because that was their safe haven of being able to study or get coffee or drinks with friends in a peaceful environment,” Berryhill said. “I’m just really excited for them to be able to come in, stay, and have that experience that Rough Draft is based around.”