INDIANAPOLIS — Downtown Olly's was just getting back into the swing of things as businesses slowly began to reopen.
"We were able to open our outdoor dining, which is really nice and saved us in many ways," Downtown Olly's manager Adam Goble said. "This week, we were able to open for 50% indoor dining."
However, Goble said this weekend's countywide curfew has thrown the restaurant's business plan for a loop.
"It is frustrating that we were finally able to see that light at the end of the tunnel," he said. "We're able to start getting back to business, finding the new normal for ourselves."
It has felt like one thing after the other for so many businesses in Indianapolis. Those that were closed for the pandemic are now dealing with the ripple effects of protests related to George Floyd dying under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer.
Many downtown businesses are boarded up due to vandalism during violent demonstrations last weekend.
"Our heart breaks for all of the restaurants downtown and businesses downtown because they're going through the same struggle," Goble said
Goble said he understands why Mayor Joe Hogsett decided to enforce a curfew, but he would like a better heads-up and more guidance so he can run the restaurant effectively.
"Our issues collectively here at Olly's come from the lack of communication," Goble said. "We're going to have to close early. What are the best practices to do that? How can we communicate to our employees what's going on so we can ensure their safety and make it home? The lack of communication has been frustrating."
