These Silver Grill customers were happy to again be able to find available seats and a dining table inside the Imlay City eatery.
IMLAY CITY — Michigan restaurants were able to reopen for inside dining Monday, Feb. 1, after being forced to close for more than two months due to the pandemic.
The chance to reopen is good news for Krume Gavrilovski, who along with wife, Diane, have owned and operated the Silver Grill in Imlay City since 1995.
No sooner did the doors open at 8 a.m., than a steady flow of loyal customers began arriving to place their breakfast orders and re-engage in conversation again.
While the doors are open, Krume points out that his waitstaff, cooks and other employees will continue to observe coronavirus safety protocol until advised otherwise.
“It’s really good to get back,” he said. “It feels like it’s been a long time and it’s been tough on all of our employees, too.”
Krume admits being frustrated with the frequency and duration of state-ordered business closures, but hopes they will soon become a thing of the past.
“We didn’t like it, but we decided to follow the rules,” Krume continued. “Everybody is having to deal with this.”
For now, he’s hoping an increase in vaccinations and reduction in new COVID-19 cases will lead to better things for the hard-hit restaurant industry.
“Even having to operate at 25 percent is a lot better than being closed,” he said. “We’re happy to be able to bring back our staff and to see our customers again.”
Krume acknowledged his staff of about 20 people for their loyal support throughout the business’s closure.
“I can’t thank and say enough about our staff who have stood by us,” he said. “They are very loyal. “We’re also thankful to our customers and the people of Imlay City, who’ve been so good to us since we first came here.”
Looking ahead, Krume is hoping the worst is behind for his restaurant and the countless other businesses negatively impacted by the virus.
“I’m just hopeful that we can finally get through this,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting back to normal.”
The Silver Grill is located at 535 N. Cedar St. (Van Dyke) in Imlay City. Their website is: www.restaurantji.com/mi/imlay-city/silver-grill-family-restaurant-/
Current business hours are: Sunday, Monday and Tuesday from 8-3; and Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8-8.
To place an order, call the restaurant at 810-724-2300.
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
