Anyone who has walked or driven past Third Street in downtown Weyburn has likely noticed the outdoor patio in front of the T & C Family Restaurant, which was approved by Weyburn City Council on April 28th.
One of the owners, Michael Georgacacos, said he had never imagined it before seeing one set up outside of Big Jim's Brew Shop last summer.
"When we had that one across the street, I definitely pictured something that I could do out front here, too, but it turned out better than I imagined."
Since the Brew Shop has now closed, Georgacacos was able to purchase that patio and do some upgrades.
"I expanded on it, put a top on, we changed the fencing, and like the railing system, with taller posts, and I expanded the length a little bit as well. The canopy covers a little bit, if it's drizzling a little bit. I like the aesthetic. I wanted to go with all wood. I didn't want metal patio or composite patio tables, so I went with all wood," he explained.
He noted that the front fence, cameras, and gate were required by the SLGA to be able to extend the liquor license to the patio.
With the tables being smaller, there are smaller plates for patio customers, and Georgacacos said he likes to play whatever music is preferred by those dining outside. He has plans to add a bar-height table at the end as well, which will bring it from seating 14 comfortably to accommodating 18 patrons in all. There are even plans to add tables to the sidewalk, which he has done on the spot recently for a customer who had a wheelchair.
"It's a different experience, the outside seating, for sure, rather than always just being inside. It feels sleek out there. It's modern and it's private, and you have some traffic, but in the evening there's not as much traffic, and it's nice and quiet."
He said the response from the community has included plenty of positive feedback.
"Lots of people even walking by when I'm out there watering flowers or something, everyone comments on how nice it looks all the time, and even people coming inside if it's too hot or raining, they still comment on how nice it looks, even though they're not sitting out there because of the weather," he shared.
"We have had quite a few people enjoying it out there and making reservations for it. I've had a few people make reservations for the evenings, and we've actually started staying open later into the evening on weekends and during the week, too."
Georgacacos said having the lights on later in the evening lends even more to the ambience. "It's just a different feeling, right? It's really nice."
For those who want to be outside on hot days, there are misting fans on the shelves that can also be used on the tables.
For patrons who want to use the patio at any time of day, signage is up letting them know to go inside and let the servers know that's where they'd like to be seated.
"The servers will notice them out there, it's just a little bit faster service if you do come in to be seated. It's different than another establishment where you walk into the building originally to get to the patio, but we try to watch it as closely as we can."
Georgacacos added he may install some heaters if it gets too cool before the patio has to be taken down at the end of September.
