Hollister reopens restaurants

HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION) Parts of San Benito Street will be closed off to traffic and opened up for restaurants this afternoon.

This is the first time some restaurants were allowed to open in weeks.

Customers are allowed to sit inside some of the restaurants and Mayor Ignacio Vazquez says he is giving restaurants outside space to serve more people.

Local workers say they know it won't be the same as it was before the pandemic happened but hope this new experience will encourage people to come down.

"It's been a bit hard because it's not the same diner that it used to be. I think the hardest part is the fear because a lot of customers have the fear of coming back," says La Catrina restaurant owner Gustavo Gonzalez.

Social distancing and safety guidelines will still be set in place.

Businesses like gyms and salons have not yet gotten approval for reopening but the city hopes openings like this could lead to more.

The streets will be set up at 2 p.m.

Mayor Vazquez says closing down portions of San Benito Street for restaurants and businesses on the weekends will help give them the economic boost they needed.