Restaurant workers have mixed feelings about Phase 2 reopening

Even with some local restaurants reopening for dining under Phase 2, many customers are still uneasy, according to a recent survey by Seattle Eater. And it goes both ways.

When some restaurants reopened under Phase 1.5, at 25 percent capacity, Camille returned to work waiting tables at a Seattle restaurant. She was surprised at the customer turnout — people seemed eager to eat out again.

“From what I’ve seen in the restaurant where I work and in surrounding businesses, people aren’t adhering to the capacity rules.”

Camille asked that KUOW only use her first name, citing concerns about jeopardizing her job. She has mixed feelings about reopening. She needs the income; she’s already tapped into her savings to pay rent. But she’s also wary about getting sick.

“I don’t have health insurance like a lot of people,” Camille said. “And the thought of incurring medical bills is frightening.”

Some food workers are using the opportunity to try something new. Daymon Mozee was let go from his restaurant job. After working different gigs, he now works at a local company offering personal chef services. He’s also starting a pop-up with a friend, since not everyone is rushing to eat out just yet.

“It seems that a lot of people are turning to either having food made for them and sent to them, and just taking food to go.”

Mozee says this allows him to continue cooking, and he figures it might be recession proof, too.