As Aurora and the entire state prepare to move into Phase 3 under the Restore Illinois framework, several businesses will start to reopen in downtown. Salons are starting to accept appointments again, and outdoor dining at restaurants will begin.
Retail shops will reopen with social distancing, with no more than 50% occupancy. Face coverings will continue to be prevalent.
In this situation Aurorans have proven, once again, that we are stronger together. We’ll get through this together, thanks to a lot of behind-the-scenes teamwork.
In recent weeks, Aurora Downtown has been working with city government staff members to ensure that downtown restaurants have adequate outdoor dining options. The city government is working at lightning speed to consider creative solutions for al fresco dining that are practical and safe.
Restaurant-goers could see a parking lot, parking spaces, and sidewalks all turned into outdoor dining spaces.
Aurora Downtown’s Carry Out Days provided an added boost to downtown restaurant promotion. This Summer, outdoor dining will be an important component for the survival of restaurants in addition to carry-out and delivery.
Several downtown restaurants quickly adapted to curbside pickup, and a Friday night can see lines of cars along New York Street waiting for Ballydoyle, Doughballs, or Gillerson’s Grubbery. Tredwell Coffee reopened in May, and is serving coffee, pastries, and sandwiches from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Charlie’s Creamery reopened, and is serving ice cream and selling pints.
Branch Gardens and Warehouse 55 both opened selling plants this month. Wyckwood House and Cotton Seed Creative Exchange both could reopen in June on a limited basis. Both stores offer online shopping with curbside pickup and delivery options.
McCarty Mills Taproom opened at 140 S. River St. Unit 108 in the ground floor of River Street Plaza condos. The location sells pizza, pretzels, and chips and queso along with cans of craft beer and bottles of wine.
QT3 Body Systems, 2 W. Downer Place, is expanding in the rear along Stolp Avenue, and will adding a protein and juice bar in July. QT3 Body Systems is the first in a series of small business profiles that celebrates “every Saturday is Small Business Saturday” on Aurora Downtown’s Facebook page.
Supporting small business is more important than ever in the days ahead. We thank everyone for their continued support of downtown retail, restaurants, museums, and service businesses.
Marissa Amoni is the manager of Aurora Downtown, a nonprofit group of downtown business and property owners. Many downtown businesses continue to offer gift cards and online sales as a way to support them. Carry-out, gift card and online shopping guides can be found at Aurora Downtown’s website. auroradowntown.org.