We have all craved El Cerrito, Saucy Dogs, and Burgers Unlocked during the long dark winter of our discontent. We have complained about eating Bon Appetit stir fry instead of fancy restaurant delicacies. Now that restaurants have reopened for indoor dining after 10 weeks of culinary darkness, it is our duty to put our money where our mouth is, literally, and frequent the heck out of them.
The most recent dine-in ban ran from Nov. 18 to Feb. 1, benching local eateries from seating patrons inside during one of their busiest seasons. Now, they have to make up their losses, but face continuing restrictions including a six-per-table limit, mandatory masking, and, most damaging, operation at 25% capacity.
This last restriction means that some restaurants will not even be able to recoup their operational losses during a single day. For students, this means we should go to restaurants, go frequently, and even make an effort to eat during off hours. Fill the booth and tables when they ordinarily would be empty. Ultimately, we need to try to render 25% as profitable as possible for small restaurant owners.
It is important for this college full of politically-minded students — who often express outrage at their governor’s authoritarian audacity — to remember that political actions merit and accomplish far more than political words. Instead of tweeting your outrage, go down to Spanglers or the Hunt Club around 3 p.m., and help prevent the tragic outcome of a tragic situation.
It is certainly easier to eat in the dining hall. It is both “free” and convenient. But, remember: if you don’t patronize these businesses, then don’t expect them to be in business when you do feel like tucking into a burrito