Keeping Restaurants Open

Matt Tatro, owner of Grazie Ristorante and Trés Niños talks about navigating business during a pandemic

For some restaurants, acquiring an outdoor dining setup was difficult to navigate. Recently, Grazie Ristorante on Marshall St. has been relishing in their new social distanced dining setup on Center St., which is partially closed off. Owner Matt Tatro said the addition serves as another dining room.

"It’s easy to implement with our staff. We don’t keep a lot out there," he said. "People love it. It was full on Thursday that we opened. It was very beneficial. It was one of the first nights we had numbers similar to pre-COVID. It’s refreshing to see that."

Tatro pushed for outdoor seating to make his clientele comfortable for those who prefer it over indoor dining. It's also an opportunity for customers to admire the beauty of North Adams/public art that may otherwise be overlooked. Two large-scale murals outline Center St.

Tatro also owns Tres Niños, a Mexican restaurant just a few doors down from Grazie, which has a few small tables on the sidewalk for outdoor enjoyment. He said from March to the start of summer both businesses took a big financial hit with the loss of foot traffic downtown. He's hopeful to return to where he was before the shutdown.

"We haven’t been where we were pre-COVID. We hope eventually to get back there with the reopenings. Haven’t quite been the same," Tatro said. 

He went on to acknowledge the togetherness of downtown businesses and how he wants out-of-town visitors to enjoy the many gems the city has to offer, not just businesses that are closest to MASS MoCA. 

"It's really the camaraderie amongst the restaurants to help others is crucial to the success of everybody and in addition to keeping everybody safe," he said. "I think its a lack of knowledge of whats in the downtown and what people have to offer. There’s a lot of cool shops if they make it. Those are little hidden gems."

Grazie Ristorante hours: Wed, Thurs & Sun 4-8, Friday/Saturday 4-9
Address: 26 Marshall St, North Adams, MA 01247
Menu: graziena.com
Call ahead for reservations: (413) 664-0044

Tres Niños hours: 11-7:30 p.m. Mon-Thurs, 11-9 p.m. Friday/Saturday
Address: 20 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247
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