Business Expects Slow Comeback After Pandemic

Restaurants are unsure how their business will return to normal

New at ten.

Alabama's stay at home order to combat the spread of coronavirus is set to expire april 30th.

But it's still unclear how the state plans to re-open businesses like restaurants... bars... and concert venues.

Waay31's megan reyna joins us live downtown with why one bar owner isn't expecting a quick return to how business was before coronavirus began impacting all our lives.

The current stay at home order says people are just 17 days away from being able to sit down for a meal at a restaurant or attend happy hour at a bar.

But after speaking with the owner of green bus brewery here downtown -- he says when that does happen -- customers may be reluctant.

Natz sledd says:"the fatigue is starting to set in, its only been a few weeks and people are already anxious to get back to some sort of normalcy."

Chairs stacked up... tables pushed to the side.

This is the new 'normal' for many bars.

Sledd says:"we're doing to-go only sales, we are in the entertainment district, so purple cups are an option but we also have growlers we can fill."

Jason sledd is the co-owner of green bus brewing.

One of several bars downtown that sit practically empty.

And for sledd -- he's really unsure of when that could change.

Sledd says:"from what i understand, its going to be gradual, which we fully support, we'll be comfortable when the customers are comfortable."

But sledd says there's no saying how long it'll take for people to feel safe being in close quarters with other people again.

Sledd says:"we may have some customers who for a long time don't feel comfortable coming to a crowded setting, but we also have customers who are probably going to be here 20 minutes before we open the doors back up."

When the chairs are unstacked... tables back in place....it may not be the same.

Sledd says:"maybe we don't have quite as many stools at the bar, maybe we section off this front area for to go orders with a little more space for everyone to spread out, we'll just kinda play it by ear."

Today huntsville mayor tommy battle said its likely businesses will not re-open all at once... and the city is looking to the state for guidance.

As of right now -- that stay at home order has not been extended past april 30th.

Reporting live in hsv mr waay 31 news.