Rain puts damper on outdoor dining

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-When COVID19 hit, parklets popped up on streets and in lots, allowing customers to dine outdoors.

During the ongoing drought weather wasn't much of a concern, but things are changing with rain in the forecast.

Chase Restaurant on State Street was just recognized by Open Table as one of the top ten restaurants in the country with the most festive decorations, but its parklet is now wrapped in clear plastic due to rain.

General Manager Warren Butler said they hope to reopen it soon.

You can't cry too much when there's bad weather, but it is tough, we have to close down the parklet, close down outside and try to squeeze every inside."

A power outage impacting other businesses led to some new customers on a colder than usual night in Santa Barbara.

Cali-Forno Pizzeria's parklet is closed, too.

Business owner José' Diaz said they will just have to get used to moving the tables and chairs inside when it's too soggy to sit for slice outside.

"It is a hassle to like to bring the things out and in all the time which is okay because we need rain but it is bad for business," said Diaz, "so we are good, we are trying really hard to make everything good for people and for business and we have to bring all the chairs in and the tables out and that is how it is."

Customers ordering food to-go, and stopping by the Farmer's Market may have noticed a rainbow over State Street during a break in the storm on Tuesday afternoon.

Mizza Wine Bar turned on its outdoor fire lamps to keep hardy customers warm once the rain stopped.

Forecasters said a milder storm is on the way Thursday.