By Amanda Kilyk

Local restaurants, beginning in March, shifted to take-out and delivery practices only in order to serve customers while still adhering to social distancing guidelines set forth by the state of New Jersey.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed executive order No. 104 on March 16, which required all restaurants to transition to take-out and delivery options only, limiting customer interactions within the establishment in order to decrease the spread of the coronavirus across the state.

In response, restaurants such as Mama’s Restaurant & Café Baci and River Star Diner, both of Hackettstown, had to adapt to social distancing measures in order to comply with the new guidelines.

“We at Mama’s have implemented and re-designed our pick-up, take out, delivery and curbside operation strategies,” Tom Schiano, owner of Mama’s Restaurant & Café Baci said. “Beyond that, we have made actionable adaptions to our restrooms, implemented a ‘sanitation station’ for guests, introduced the utilization of contactless pay options, of course use of masks, and utility gloves.”

River Star Diner Owner Halil Bayram also said that in addition to a closed dining room, wearing masks and gloves were now required practice, “something that wasn’t common before,” he said.

Both businesses, like many others, have faced monetary deficits in the past months as a result of limited dining options during the stay-at-home order.

“We have seen a monetary difference and have done our best to adapt and keep our employees engaged. Once we do begin to see a strategy of re-opening, it may be difficult to turn a profit on 25% capacity,” Schiano said. “Mama’s is a 50-year family tradition, and the depth of our business model will ensure that we prevail.”

Bayram also had concerns about the decrease in revenue in relation to social distancing guidelines, especially for the future. Bayram said that he already had to let go of all diner employees.

“Since we cannot have anybody come inside and eat, our sales have decreased,” Bayram said. “When we are allowed to reopen inside again, we are concerned with if people will be comfortable to come in and eat again as we do not have a space for eating outdoors.”

Both restaurants are aware of the possibility of continued restrictions on indoor and outdoor dining once the executive order has been lifted.

The River Star Diner is prepared to continue social distancing by ensuring gaps between tables when seating guests.

Mama’s hopes that with the possible development of vaccines and medical services, social distancing guidelines will not be necessary in the future. But they have become more aware of their hygienic practices and will continue to implement and build upon the lessons they have learned.

While the transition has been difficult for the diner, Bayram said, “We would like to thank the support of the community as we have been able to continue with our work.”

Though the customer experience has changed, both restaurants remain committed to their customers.

“We are now interacting with our guests in a unique and different way,” said Schiano. “That being said, Mama’s is founded on genuine care, attention and friendship toward our guests and we continue to work hard to put a smile on everyone’s face and great food on their table at home.”