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Local restaurant works to ring in Valentine's Day safely

Local restaurants VDay.jpg
Posted at 5:33 PM, Feb 13, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-16 18:07:44-05

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The Hub Restaurant and Ice Creamery is putting the finishing touches on their treats and dishes ahead of a Valentine's Day that will undoubtedly look different.

"We’ve has to change our business model quite a bit you know — but it’s safety first. We don’t want to be open unless we can be safe,” said Barney Confrey, director of operations at The Hub.

He said like many other restaurants in town The Hub had to switch gears. Customers notice Plexiglas between tables, hand sanitizer throughout the restaurant, and extra tables outside when they arrive.

With restaurants not operating at capacity, Confrey still finds a silver lining.

"I think having Valentine’s Day on a Sunday where people have the opportunity to celebrate all weekend really helps everyone in this case— because it’s not all jammed into one day,” he said.

At The Hub's ice cream parlor across the street, a window has been utilized to offer a contact-free experience.

“Even though the pandemic, there is still time to spend time with your family and loved ones and do things as safe as possible,” said Kristel Johnson, general manager and executive ice cream chef.

The business said it means a lot when the community chooses to eat locally.

“Because all the folks that work here. They have rents to pay, and they have kids to take care of and they have obligations. So, when people think about the workers it makes a big difference,” explained Confrey.

Both the restaurant and ice cream shop have special menus for Valentine's Day for the community to enjoy.