How the indoor dining shutdown is affecting local restaurant, The Hall CP

The Hall CP prepares for outdoor dining only (The University of Maryland via Twitter)

Faced with more than 45,000 coronavirus cases, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced on Thursday that restaurants are no longer be able to serve customers indoors, which will be effective Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 5 p.m.

The Hall CP located at 4656 Hotel Dr. plans on adjusting to the recent changes to make customers more comfortable during the cold months.

Less than a month ago, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan called for indoor dining to be at a 25% capacity. Outdoor dining can continue at a 50% capacity as restaurants can still offer curbside service and takeout. This executive order will be in place until Jan.16, according to Eater Washington DC.

Opened last January, The Hall CP has a coffee bar, full-service restaurant, and private event space located directly behind The Hotel. 

General Manager Joshua Lewis explained that they lost the majority of their staff during the shutdown in March and had to rehire a whole new front of house and kitchen staff. Lewis said that they might have to do the same if the restrictions stay in place too long.

“Many employees are losing hours until restrictions are lifted for the indoor dining shutdown, this comprises about 80% of the staff, some may be eligible for partial unemployment,” said Lewis.

Chef John Bedingfield expressed that the most difficult thing with another shutdown is having to lay off the majority of the staff again. During the previous shutdown in March, the on-campus restaurant donated the food that they had prepared in hopes of a busy weekend with customers.

“Being in a college town and still slightly unknown to a lot of people meant that to-go service wouldn’t make sense for us. We treat all our staff like family and it is extremely difficult when you can’t provide employment,” said Bedingfield.

Sous-chef Clinton Kopas expressed that the previous shutdown in March was extremely demoralizing. When the restaurant was beginning to receive recognition, they were forced to close. 

Although the executive order could greatly affect the restaurant’s business, Kopas says that they have learned how to deal with a shutdown and is hopeful that they will bounce back once indoor dining is available again.

“We already have purchased heaters and are looking into other ways to make our outdoor patio comfortable for our customers. The sad reality of this though is that layoffs are inevitable because we’re losing our dining room. There is no chance we’ll be busy enough to keep the entire staff employed,” said Kopas.

Although the indoor dining room at The Hall CP is closed starting Wednesday, the restaurant will offer outdoor dining with heaters in place, along with a four for $40 deal on carryout. The full dining menu will be available for carryout with cocktails, wine, and canned/bottled beer available for to-go.