Valley restaurants, other businesses prepare for indoor operations

People started eating inside of restaurants on Wednesday after months of outdoor dining only.

This comes after Riverside County moved into the state's less restrictive 'red' tier of reopening.

News Channel 3's Dani Romero has more with how restaurants are welcoming customers back inside.

They were counting the days at Kaiser Grille restaurant in Palm Springs for the big move into the red tier. 

“We’re extremely excited," said Felipe Jimenez, General Manager at Kaiser Grille. "People really can’t wait. People are really enjoying being able to go out."

Staff started preparations on Sunday for both indoor and outdoor dining,. They had tables that were social distance ready for those customers to come in. 

"Last thing, we want is to impact our guests here so we got to make sure the process is right," said Jimenez. "We are doing everything possible to take care of guests."

Jimenez explained it was a struggle to get staff back after employee hours were cut and some were laid off but now they get to shine once more. 

“Bringing them back, getting them the proper training just making sure that we are ready to go because we are going from minimal sales on the outside patio to now opening indoors," said Jimenez. "Its going to be a lot of turn around on these tables."

Still, they plan to keep outdoor dining an option and are planning to expand it too. 

Jimenez said after a year of back and forth, they are staying prepared. 

“We have a freezer on the outside of the building," said Jimenez. "We want to make sure that we are ready” 

Across the street at Lulu’s, they also welcomed customers inside. 

“It is a breath of fresh air," said Evelyn Grafas, "I love Lulu’s and just be able to come inside and frankly in the booth. This is so fabulous."  

But not everyone feels comfortable eating indoors.

“I am not going to because I feel like its an individual decision," said Joel Jason. " I won’t go on a plane. I don’t feel comfortable sitting indoors unless the place is practically empty.” 

A reminder under the red tier indoor dining is limited to 25 percent capacity while outdoor dining still remains an option. 

County Health officials have said if we stay in the red tier for at least two weeks we could see more restrictions loosening up.