Holly Hotel, Other Restaurants Adapt to Dining at a Distance, Outdoor Seating
(Crystal A. Proxmire, June 10, 2020)
Holly, MI – As hungry guests return June 12 to the elegance of fine dining in a historic, Victorian atmosphere, they will do so differently than in pre-COVID days.
The servers and other staff will be wearing face masks and frequently sanitizing surfaces. Each employee will be checked for temperature and be screened for symptoms.
There is a hand sink just outside the restaurant’s entrance for every guest to wash their hands before entering, and a “Sanitation Concierge” on hand to greet guests.  Guests will be asked to wear face masks until seated at their table.
There will be a more open ambiance as there is much more space for each guest to enjoy their meal, as the restaurant may only serve at 50% capacity.
Like thousands of restaurants throughout Oakland County, they’ve been working with experts at the Health Division and with the Holly Downtown Development Authority to implement best practices and keep diners, and employees, safe.
One of the ways is by adding outdoor seating.  Outdoor environments are less risky for spreading the coronavirus, so the Village of Holly is allowing temporary outdoor seating in Battle Alley to help the local restaurants stay afloat and give people a chance to dine outside who may not feel comfortable doing so inside yet.
Holly Hotel has purchased five tables that will be in a roped off area for their guest.  This area of tables is in addition to about a dozen various sized tables set up by the DDA for carry out dining and public enjoyment.  Battle Alley Coffee also has joined in, putting out several pieces of furniture for visitors.
Other restaurants, like the Holly Café and Andy’s Place already have their own private outdoor seating areas.  Holly Cafe is not currently open, but hopes to soon.
Restaurants like Avia, Blackthorn Pub, Red Devil, Northern Oak Brewery and more have all been included in the County’s guidance.  Patrons can dine in or carryout, and are welcome to enjoy the tables in the Battle Alley space.
“I am thrilled to see businesses and restaurants able to open again.  This has been a long hard struggle for many of them.  I feel like together we have made it through!  As I see the pleasure they are experiencing to serve their customers again I am also heartbroken for the businesses that did not make it to this day,” said Holly Chamber Executive Director Richard Kinnamon.
The Chamber has been helping businesses through the shut down and the reopen process.  This includes sitting in on many meetings to gather information to pass along to members, helping members through the Small Business Association loan process and Oakland County grant process, and hosting weekly virtual coffee connections over Zoom.
“We will be changing our focus from preparing to reopen to focusing on best practices and growth strategies for businesses,” Kinnamon said.
The Chamber, along with the Holly DDA, have partnered on a #HollyCARES movement, using the hashtag on social media to help build solidarity in the community. They’ve even ordered #HollyCARES masks for businesses to give employees, and handed out over 100 reopening kits from Oakland County that include masks, gloves, sanitizer, floor stickers, signage and more.
So as the Holly Hotel prepares to open, they’re doing so with the support of the county and the community.
Guests to the Holly Hotel can opt for traditional favorites like the Beef Wellington or Chicken Strudel, or any number of items which change daily.  Among the offerings of the opening weekend are Lingonberry Duck, Lake Superior Whitefish, Victorian Onion Soup, Liver Pate, Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms and more.
“We are ready to welcome you back safe and elegant!  With warmth and the professionalism you have come to expect from the Holly Hotel!” said Holly Hotel owner Chrissy Haas Kutlenios, adding that they’ll be smiling with their eyes as they greet their longtime customers and friends.
Because of social distancing, reservations are required.  Call 248-634-5208 to reserve. For more info visit their website www.HollyHotel.com.
For information about more Holly restaurants and other businesses visit the Downtown Holly website and the Holly Area Chamber of Commerce website.