Two local restaurant chains have chosen to remain temporarily closed despite the state lifting its most recent covid-19 restrictions.

Management at Atria’s and Juniper Grill said they cannot be profitable at half-capacity, as mandated by Gov. Tom Wolf’s virus-related guidelines.

“We cannot and will not make it as a business on 50% capacity,” said Michael Diaddigo, vice president of operations for both restaurants. “As a business, we would fold.”

Atria’s and Juniper Grill are owned by Restaurant Holdings LP.

Founded 90 years ago as a grocery store, Atria’s has locations along Freeport Road in O’Hara, along with others in Mt. Lebanon, Peters Township, Pleasant Hills and Murrysville.

Juniper Grill has locations in Murrysville, Cranberry and Peters Township.

Director of Marketing Brianna Woods said both chains will reopen Jan. 18.

“These coming weeks are traditionally the slowest all year for the restaurant industry,” Woods said.

“As a scratch-kitchen, more labor is involved in our kitchen than many other restaurants. This makes the expenses of staying open quite great on uncertain sales.”

It would be cost-prohibitive to reopen now or to offer takeout only, Diaddigo said.

“Unfortunately, takeout does not make up for the loss dine-in business — not even close,” he said.

The government on Dec. 12 implemented a three-week shutdown of indoor dining to help prevent a post-Thanksgiving surge of covid-19 cases. Wolf allowed the restrictions to expire as planned on Jan. 4, with bars, casinos, gyms and movie theaters permitted to reopen.

Restaurants can resume indoor dining at the previously set 50% capacity limit, which remains in place with no set end date. Restaurant owners must complete a covid-related online self-certification process in order to have that 50% capacity, and those that do not complete the free certification can operate only at 25% of their normal occupancy limit.

Alcohol sales must halt at 11 p.m., and any alcohol sales must be accompanied by a food order.

Diaddigo said it is a tough decision to remain closed but it was made in the best interest of the employees and business.

Because the restaurants use only fresh produce and meat, Diaddigo said, it will take time to order the products the restaurants use.

In milder weather, the restaurants increased makeshift seating with outdoor dining and tented patios, where allowed by municipal law.

“When the temperature dropped, we put a lot of work into making a comfortable outdoor dining space where we could,” Woods said.

The Juniper Grill in Cranberry used a large tent to cover the courtyard and heaters to make the outdoor space more comfortable.

“Not all restaurants survived 2020, and Atria’s and Juniper Grill give thanks to community members for supporting them during the toughest year the restaurant industry has experienced,” Woods said.

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