Days after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in Saskatchewan, restaurants are trying to shift back into normal operations.

Regina’s Warehouse Brewing Company is finally running at full capacity after opening their doors just before COVID-19 restrictions took hold in March 2020.

General Manager Grady Schuett says while they have been able to welcome customers with restrictions, it’s nice to be able to run things the way they want to.

“It’s nice to just see people again without a mask, and enjoying the company of larger groups, especially being able to have our capacity back, and our tables out on the deck, tables back in the restaurant without the partitions up and having everything so separated,” said Schuett. “It’s nice to see people moving freely and visiting from table to table.”

He says with restrictions loosened, the warm weather couldn’t have come at a better time, adding people are flocking to patios all over the city.

Schuett says he’s excited to finally be able to show the full potential of the brewery to its customers, especially since the owners have never seen it fully open.

“They’ve never seen their taproom and their brewery fully alive and vibrant,” said Schuett. “To have all the restrictions gone and being able to get back to capacity, is exciting, not only for (the owners), but for myself and the staff here to see more people.”

The brewery, located in the old Weston’s Bakery, has been busy with craft beer enthusiasts looking to taste all their in-house brewed beers, while playing cornhole on their dog-friendly patio.

While he’s excited to get back to normal, it’s only going to work if people respect each other.

“I just hope that people still do respect other people’s right to wear a mask or if they do want to social distance,” said Schuett. “And for those that it’s back to normal and they want to have their 10 or 20 friends out on the deck here, or doing something, I hope people enjoy themselves, but enjoy themselves responsibly.”