MADISON, Wis. — Surviving the pandemic has been a struggle for many restaurants this year. As we approach colder winter months, many are finding new and creative ways to keep business going.
Karben4 Brewing and Cafe Hollander are just two restaurants who say the implementation of outdoor igloo dining has helped keep them afloat for the past month.
Karben4 Brewing Taphouse Manager Katie Herrera said when the igloos first rolled out at the beginning of the month, they weren’t gaining a lot of traction, but the holidays sparked new interest in them.
“It’s giving people a way to sit outside without being outside,” Herrera said.
“We have to evolve,” Herrera said. “This thing isn’t going anywhere. We’ve been given the tools to evolve and we are going with it.”
Herrera said they have a robust sanitization system in place to ensure everyone’s safety. The igloos are disinfected and aired out in between each reservation. Herrera said it takes staff about 20-30 minutes to fully disinfect everything. Herrera said customers can also order online and have their food delivered outside the igloo so that they never have to come in contact with staff members.
A similar process also happens at Cafe Hollander.
“I think that they’re helping us to survive,” said manager Nativity Townsel. “It’s encouraging people to come out and spend more quality time with the people they love as well as helping us and the other businesses around here.”
Townsel said they’ve even added a special menu for igloo customers that is more family friendly.
Karben4 customers Sarah Thielen and Dennis Barr tried out an igloo for the first time Monday afternoon. They said the experience was comfortable and they would do it again.
“It’s definitely warmer than outside,” Thielen said. “Can’t feel any of the breeze. It’s nice. Definitely try it out. Its something different. It’s a little more comfortable than going out. You’re not like in a restaurant around a bunch of other people.”
Herrera said she knows the winter months are slow for restaurants when we’re not in a pandemic and is anticipating the hype of the igloos to eventually slow down. She’s hoping for the time being, more people can come out to support local restaurants in a safe and comfortable way.
“That’s the industry without the pandemic. But I think what we’ve got here is really special,:” Herrera said. “We are giving people the opportunity to get off their couches in a safe and comfortable manner.”
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