Damp weather doesn’t dampen fun at Homewood’s Giant Block Party

The restaurant scene today is far different than it was at the beginning of 2020. As these businesses adjust to ever-changing guidelines, the Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle will keep you updated on what’s happening with our local eateries in this series on Homewood and Flossmoor restaurants.

When Governor J.B. Pritzker ordered restaurant dining rooms to close in March, it caused a lot of uncertainty for many restaurant owners, including Rich and Tracy Cairo, who own The Bistro on Sterling in Flossmoor. 

“It was a scary time when this all happened, but we and our staff put together a game plan and moved forward,” said Tracy Cairo.

That plan included adding several phone lines to ensure that customers could get through quickly, re-configuring the kitchen prep area for packing to-go orders, creating a distance pick-up area at the front of the restaurant and adding curbside and contact-free pick-up.

“We thank the Village of Flossmoor that has added three dedicated spots out front for easy curbside or pick-up. Hand sanitizer has been placed out at the pick up area and all of our employees are required to wear gloves and masks and we are continually cleaning and sanitizing,” Cairo explained. 

“When the weather has been nice we have been able to leave the front door open so customers do not have to touch any door handles. With bad or cold weather we sanitize the handles after each use since the doors are closed. We have been posting on Facebook and Instagram on a daily basis to keep our customers informed of our daily specials.”

With the absence of parties, wine tastings and in-house dining and limited hours, revenue has taken a big hit, but Cairo said they’re doing all they can to still provide customers with delicious food and friendly service. The monthly wine club also continues with monthly pick-up. 

“The response has been amazing and the support has been so heartwarming,” she said. “We miss our time together with customers so much and cannot wait until we can all raise a glass with everyone again.”

The restaurant is currently open from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Distance pick-up and curbside pick-up are available as well as delivery via Grubhub and Uber Eats.