GREEN BAY (NBC26) — The COVID-19 pandemic hit many local businesses hard. But some are still surviving, and even thriving. Restaurants and bars have been struggling; outdoor dining has kept many going, but winter is on its way. But both seller and buyer of one particular product continue to benefit: outdoor fire pits.
James Gagnon, sales representative at Gagnon Clay Products, says his family's business has never seen such a high demand before.
“We’re seeing a huge increase in sales," said Gagnon. “We actually hired a person just to answer phones ‘cause it’s been so busy. Lot of restaurants that maybe didn’t have that outdoor space are now adding that to try to meet the demand of, and you know try to stay in business.”
Hagemeister Park is know for its large patio and big fire pits. And that's definitely kept their business high over the summer, said David Abbott, general manager.
“If you don’t have a patio, you definitely felt it this summer," said Abbott. "I know a lot of other restaurants and restaurant owners that really felt the effect of it, not having a large patio. And I think everybody is scrambling to do something, extend their patio, make their patios bigger. We're going to try to extend the life of the patio as long as we can, try to keep our customers safe."
He expects it will keep them going all winter long. That and bringing out their igloos again -- they're already receiving calls about igloo reservations. The restaurant is also making it's banquet rooms available for socially-distanced seating.
“Customer feels like they want to be away from everybody, we got no problem seating them way in the back," said Abbott. "Wherever they want to be, to make sure they’re coming safe.”
Only time will tell if people will still come dine outside, even with all kinds of heat lamps and fire pits, as Northeast Wisconsin resumes Frozen Tundra status.
