After a data error that temporarily prevented Washington’s Southern Central Region from moving into phase two, Kittitas County companies and citizens are looking forward to the new freedoms the new phase offers.

Phase two of Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Healthy Washington–Roadmap to Recovery” said indoor dining is allowed at 25% capacity with alcohol service ending at 11 p.m. Open-air or outdoor dining is limited to six people per table from no more than two households.

In Kittitas County, The Palace Cafe is known for its ability to adapt to the times. The restaurant has been open for over 100 years and most famously survived its closure during World War II.

PJ Bugni, owner of The Palace Cafe for over 30 years, said that COVID-19 has been difficult.

“We were phase one until January 15, so that was two months almost. Then there was a new provision that was put into the mandate at the beginning of the year that was kind of confusing,” Bugni said. “You could have airflow through your building and it’s considered [an] open-air concept, so we took some windows out.”

While in phase one, about one-fifth of The Palace Cafe had to be let go and put on unemployment. Phase two meant that those who were available could be brought back and that the windows could be put back.

“The minute that we got that [notification about phase two] we closed the windows because it was so cold out that no one would sit by them. It was taking up half of the 25% capacity that we could do,” Bugni said.

Bugni said he was proud of his staff and their flexibility through this challenging time.

“Our staff is very communicative on letting people know that they can’t be up away from their table without a mask on, they can’t gather,” Bugni said. “I think they all understand our hardship, even though they maybe want to have things like they used to be, but they also don’t want us to get infractions that could shut us down.”

As Ellensburg adjusts to phase two, Bugni said he is hoping to continue moving forward.

“Hopefully, we get to cruise like this for a while. Everybody’s pretty happy to get back to work … all of my staff that was still in town was ecstatic to get back to work, even if they were on unemployment, to have that extra $300 a week,” Bugni said. “Everyone wanted to get back to work.”

Alex Splattstoesser, a senior studying theater and a dishwasher at the cafe, said he was proud of how his restaurant had handled COVID-19 guidelines so far.

“We are required to wear masks and protective hand equipment the entire shift. The only times that I’ll take my mask off is when I’m off and in my car,” Splattstoesser said. “There were open windows, we were operating at quarter capacity with that open-air concept [and] it’s a full window, we literally [took] those full windows out over the winter, because we knew that we would have to allow for open-air ventilation.”

Now, moving into phase two, Splattstoesser said he was most concerned about customer’s compliance with the regulations.

“If anything I’m just worried about making sure that people that come into the restaurant are being safe,” Splattstoesser said.

Splattstoesser said he is excited to see customers returning, but that he recommends showing caution in eating out because eating at home is always the safest option.

“Order take out or something … You can order take out at The Palace or do curbside,” Splattstoesser said.