MILWAUKEE — On a Friday in Lent, places like The Packing House would typically be buzzing with business, but due to the coronavirus, everything is unpredictable.
"What we've seen is a huge drop off in business, frankly, this week alone I estimate about 80 percent drop in our dine-in customers," Chris Wiken, General Manager of The Packing House Restaurant, said.
Wiken said they are working hard to keep everything sanitized, including keeping a cleaning crew on hand throughout the day.
"Everybody is walking around with a can of sanitizing wipes and making sure we keep every surface and everything as sanitary as possible," Wiken said.
With customers concerned about being in contact with others, Wikin says the drive-thru may provide an alternative.
"I anticipate that today and at least the next couple of weeks, that's going to see a huge increase in business," Wiken said.
Some local churches have canceled their fish fry, but places like Congregation of the Great Spirit continue to keep their doors open.
"We're being extra careful with the cleaning. I mean, we really honestly didn't see any reason to cancel," Business Manager of Congregation of The Great Spirit, Sally Lafountain, said.
Back at The Packing House, Wiken hopes people won't cancel their Friday night plans.
"We ask you to come on out and support small, local independent businesses because we are the ones who are going to suffer the most from the virus being around," Wiken said.
And at least one customer we spoke with said he's not ready to give up going out to eat.
"I worry about crossing the street too. I mean, how much do you want me to worry? I'm going to go out and do my thing," customer Tim Markley said.