Coping with COVID-19 guidelines means masks, gloves, social distancing, fewer tables, fewer hugs, and a myriad of unknowns, but Saratoga businesses are learning to cope.
“Business is not what it used to be in almost every respect,” says Patrick Rupert of Uncorked Wine Sales in Saratoga Village. “It’s about adapting to circumstances out of our control. This is an incredibly challenging time. The businesses that will survive this latest crisis are ones that become creative.”
Uncorked takes phone orders, and retail customers are served via front door delivery. Rupert is grateful for Uncorked’s wine club and a strong supportive customer base. “We’ve survived various ups and downs, and we plan on surviving this one. We hope our wine bar will reopen in August.” uncorked-wines.com
Starbucks is adapting: Only six people are allowed in the lobby at a time, napkins are requested to wipe the door handle, and arrows and lanes help with social distancing. Starbucks customers order online and come into the store wearing masks just long enough to “grab and go,” says manager Auggie Martinez. “All employees are masked and gloved. But business is definitely picking up,” he adds. 4410 Big Basin Way. Starbucks.com
Bella Saratoga manager Enlil Zaya says, “We are complying, but realistically because we can seat only 10 tables on our patio, it’s pretty hard to make the numbers work. Business is not what it was, but we are trying to make the best of it. Not all our people are working, but we try to switch rotation to give our workers a job.
“We must wear masks and gloves,” Zaya adds. “We wash and change gloves all the time. Also, we must take customers’ temperatures before being seated. It’s awkward, but customers understand the new rules. Customers still rave about our linguini, and people are good about leaving 20-25 percent tips these days.” BellaSaratoga.com
At Sue’s Gallery Café at the end of Big Basin Way, owner George Carranza says, “Masks are a must. We take online orders, and business is going better than expected. The pickup-and-go and Doordash have helped us meet our customers’ needs.” suesgallerycafe.com
COVID-19 regulations limit Star One Credit Union to six customers at a time. Much of their business involves couples making decisions together, which limits customer traffic even more. They’re coping but looking forward to when loan applications and banking requiring face-to-face meetings can resume. starone.org
Over at the Inn at Saratoga, general manager Maria Rees says, “Business is coming back slowly. Our employees are well trained to follow the strict guidelines set for hotels. Temperatures for employees are taken every morning, afternoon and evening. We have sanitizing stations, and we are constantly disinfecting the hotel.
Rees says the Inn is a great place to get away from home while staying local. The Heid Bar is open for happy hour Friday-Saturday, 4-8 p.m., with a limited menu.
Argonaut Shower and Door’s Anthony Fitzgerald says, “We are busier than in pre-COVID days. We follow the guidelines. Business has picked back up.”
Cinnabar Tasting Room’s hospitality manager Shannon Harris says, “We’re coping, but we’re open for pickup only. We are all looking forward to opening our patio.” 408-623-9161 www.cinnabarwinery.com
La Mesa tableware and gifts is open in Saratoga. Owner Connie Hillblom says, “I’ll be wearing a mask, but I’ll let customers wear what they are comfortable with. I do wipe everything down with Clorox each and every day.” 14429 Big Basin Way.
Leslee Warwick has reopened the Barn Owl with shorter hours, and customers are coming from as far away as Redwood City and Menlo Park. Warwick says she’s busy enough some days that she has had to ask people to wait outside so her store doesn’t exceed the six-customer limit. Barnowlgifts.com, now serving dole pineapple whips, 14440 Big Basin Suite 11.
If you have business or social news about Saratoga, I’d like to know: debby@debbyrice.com.