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Ken and I spent most of last Saturday in an area city that we don’t often visit. Knowing it would be close to supper time when we finished our business, I had made a reservation at a favorite restaurant. We finished our commitment before the eatery’s scheduled opening time. While waiting in their parking lot, we listened to classic country music on the truck radio. Ken thought about the frog legs he would soon be enjoying. They’re a delicacy few places serve.

What a disappointment when we were seated at our table. They had drastically reduced their menu since COVID-19 and various new, government regulations. Instead of several pages in a folder, we were given a typed sheet that didn’t include his favorite. When I had looked for a phone number on their website, they didn’t include their menu so we were surprised. The establishment was soon crowded. Apparently, their regulars had adjusted to their changes or maybe they had added some new customers.

A few weeks ago, my husband had gone fishing. I decided to treat myself and drove to a place that specialized in ladies’ lunches. When I pulled into their deserted parking lot, I saw a hand-lettered sign leaning against their front door, “Closed temporarily because we don’t have enough help.” I returned home and opened a can of soup.

A girlfriend and I have also run into problems trying to schedule a lunch together. Some of the places where we have met before, no longer serve at mid-day, but are only open in the evening for dinner. Others have closed permanently.

I don’t blame the restaurants who are trying to survive during the pandemic. It’s our obligation to find their website and check their current status. We need to accept unexpected changes.

Have you noticed differences in your favorite restaurants?