The Bluewater "igloos" had their first test of the winter season earlier this month.
The three clear plastic outdoor dining enclosures erected on the patio at Bluewater Bar and Grille were …
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The Bluewater "igloos" had their first test of the winter season earlier this month.
The three clear plastic outdoor dining enclosures erected on the patio at Bluewater Bar and Grille were buried under snow, as a nor’easter blew across the region. Bluewater owner Brian Thimme said the igloos were rated to withstand a foot of snow.
Mr. Thimme worked through the East Bay Chamber of Commerce to purchase the clear plastic igloos. The chamber partnered with Ocean State Shields, which designed and constructed the igloos. The chamber offered a free igloo to local restaurants, and Mr. Thimme purchased two more. The igloos also came with kits that included heated seat cushions, and Mr. Thimme also purchased heaters.
The igloo initiative are part of a team effort to help area restaurants weather the winter season while adhering to the state’s indoor dining restrictions. Bluewater, like all the other restaurants in the state, has been limited to half-capacity or one-third capacity for indoor dining. During the warmer months, restaurants relied heavily upon outdoor seating to bolster their bottom lines in the face of the pandemic’s economic pinch.
Bluewater has remained open throughout the year, offering takeout, delivery and dine-in options. The outdoor patio was busy throughout the warmer months, and Mr. Thimme is hoping the igloos will help his restaurant fight through the winter months.
“There’s no way out of it, we’ve just got fight through it,” he said.
As for the igloos, Mr. Thimme said they are perfect for a family. They are designed to seat four people comfortably. Mr. Thimme said customers can reserve an igloo when making their dinner plans.
— By Josh Bickford