Restaurants ready for busy Easter weekend as more and more people are vaccinated against COVID-19

Phoenix area Restaurants ready for Easter weekend business

Easter weekend 2021 comes one year after an Easter weekend that was marred by the COVID-19 pandemic, as indoor dining was not an option, and people were asked to stay at home. This year, restaurant owners are anticipating a busy weekend. FOX 10's Matt Galka reports.

PHOENIX - Easter weekend 2020 was a different time for Arizona, compared to Easter weekend 2021.

"We want people to stay at home. We also realize people will need an outlet, and there’s a way to do it in a safe way," said Governor Doug Ducey, on March 30, 2020.

Last year, due to the pandemic, restaurants were in a full takeout model, and the future was unknown.

"Easter is our second biggest brunch of the year, second only to Mother's Day, so as a source of business, it’s huge," said Sheldon Knapp, owner of Phoenix City Grille.

Knapp didn’t know what they were in for. Like many business owners, he just hoped to keep afloat after more than 20 years.

"We, as well as many others, were looking at the possibility of going out of business," said Knapp. "It was pretty scary."

Fast forward to 2021, April 2 is a Good Friday where hope springs eternal. Knapp says they’re expecting a full crowd on Sunday, April 4.

"There's a lot of people I’m seeing for the first time in a year that said they were vaccinated and couldn’t wait to go out," said Knapp. "I think there’s pent-up demand. I’m seeing it, and we're feeling it in here."

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