UPDATE: 4 p.m., Thursday, June 25
Blacktail Haida Gwaii will reopen on Canada Day, complete with a new covered patio to maximize available seating amid COVID-19.
Chef-owner Edi Szasz previously wanted to reopen on June 25, the one-year anniversary of the establishment, but he was slightly delayed.
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In addition to the patio, Szasz said they will have some new beer on tap from the Wheelhouse Brewing Company in Prince Rupert as well as some new faces that have joined the team.
Hours will be limited to start with dinner four nights a week, Wednesday to Saturday from 4 p.m. to close.
Reservations are only be taken for large tables by emailing blacktailhaidagwaii@gmail.com.
ORIGINAL: 8:30 a.m., Friday, June 5
Restaurants and other businesses are continuing to reopen on Haida Gwaii with a few changes in store, from sneeze guard partitions to directional floor decals.
Blacktail Haida Gwaii is close on their heels, hoping to reopen on June 25 with a change chef-owner Edi Szasz has wanted since before the COVID-19 pandemic hit — a covered patio.
It will be a push, but Szasz told the Observer he wants to reopen on the Thursday since it will be the one-year anniversary of the restaurant.
The covered patio and seating — heat lamps to be included — will also help meet WorkSafeBC requirements for the reopening, such as ensuring there is enough space for physical distancing.
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Aside from a stint of takeout, Blacktail has been fully closed for months, since provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry ordered all restaurants across the province to close their doors to dine-in guests on March 20 due to COVID-19.
In April, Szasz had joined the #OneTable awareness campaign to advocate for struggling restaurants.
ALSO READ: Haida Gwaii restaurant owner joins #OneTable campaign, calls for government support
ALSO READ: Province streamlines patio applications for B.C. restaurants, wineries, pubs
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karissa.gall@blackpress.ca.