WALTHAM (CBS) – The wind howled and fell over traffic blocks and planters along Moody Street Friday night in Waltham.
“At this point we leave them down. We won’t pick them up until tomorrow, ”said Kayla Keefe, Manager at Bistro 781.
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They are one of several restaurants that are expanding their al fresco dining to Moody Street on Saturdays. The crews had to withstand the strong gusts throughout the evening.
“We had to keep catching our fences and belongings, but it’s also good practice to see if our construction can withstand the bad weather that is coming our way,” said MOLTI of Moody’s Alex Hage.
The return of the program on Saturday means 25 additional tables for the people at MOLTI on Moody.
“This is our lifeline, honestly. It’s been a tough winter for all of us, ”said Hage.
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To help restaurants recover from both the pandemic and the slow winter season, the city brought back the popular program and made part of Moody Street pedestrian-only.
“Ultimately, Moody Street is known for its dining and shopping,” said Keefe. “It brings so many more people to the region.”
Restaurant staff and customers agree – the additional foot traffic has strengthened the business.
“The weather was beautiful except for the wind, but for the most part I love to see Moody Street active,” said Chris Silverstre, patron of Bistro 781.
Restaurants are the straw that moves the drink of the Moody Street economy and has brighter, quieter days ahead of them.
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“People can’t wait to sit outside,” said Keefe. “We are looking forward.”
