The COVID-19 pandemic was a dark time for the restaurant sector as many owners wondered how their business would survive. 

Back in March of 2020, during the early days of the pandemic, non-essential businesses were forced to close their doors, and many restaurants moved to takeout only. 

John Iatridis, the owner of The Mad Greek, said there were a lot of questions on how they would get through this difficult time. 

“The second everything went to take-out we were all terrified, not just about making money, but you've got people that work under you that rely on their jobs and you want to make sure they're OK. I remember thinking, if we can pay our bills and keep our staff, I'd be happy with that,” he said. 

After months without in-person dining, restrictions were eventually eased to allow for table capacities of no more than four people with tables two metres apart or a physical barrier between tables. Soon after the restrictions were eased again, and by the end of May, 2020, table capacities were increased to six people. 

On June 20, 2021, the provincial government lifted table capacity restrictions but tables still need to be two metres apart.

Iatridis credited the community for stepping up to the plate to help keep the restaurant sector going in Moose Jaw. 

“You’d see people that don't normally order out ordering out two or three times a week just to make sure everyone was good,” Iatridis said.  

“I think just the collective of businesses has worked together well. Some of our closest friends are restaurant owners too, so it's not a big competition as much as it is to make sure we're all doing good together.” 

Initiatives such as the Moose Jaw Chamber of Commerce Big Give program also helped, as people donated money that went to purchasing takeout food from local restaurants to people who normally would be unable to order takeout with help from the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank and Hunger in Moose Jaw. 

Come this Sunday, however, July 11, all restrictions will be lifted and there will be no limitation on restaurants in Moose Jaw or the province.