Seattle companies cautiously optimistic about June 30 reopening

A set date for a full reopening is a boon to businesses while others are cautiously optimistic.

SEATTLE – For folks hanging out or working in Seattle’s Pioneer Square, the governor’s announcement that the state will reopen on June 30th creates mixed feelings.

For Erin Lindsay and Josh McDowell of West Seattle, the news is great.

“The more people vaccinated, the better it is for everyone. Hopefully that definitely encourages people,” said Lindsay.

A full reopening could result in sporting events returning to their pre-pandemic turnout.

“If everyone is good and there is a safe environment, it should definitely open up again, and I don’t mind being in a stadium full of vaccinated people,” said McDowell.

Others are more skeptical and wonder how to prove they are fully vaccinated.

“How are they going to regulate that, you know?” said Gray Hosford from Seattle

While the reopening process may be uncertain, Hosford says the change is hopeful news for businesses.

“There have been enough casualties in this pandemic and businesses have closed. I understand that there is an urgent need to return to normal, but people need to be patient,” Hosford said.

Nestor Diaz, a sales rep for Half Lion Brewing Co., based in Sumner and Kent, said the brewery business needs to evolve through the pandemic, including changing some of their operations by adding a drive-through service.

“To see the struggles we had to go through and every time we had a bit of hope a gray cloud would come by and rain on our parade and have to start over. So it was a little difficult because you stopped want to be excited. Let’s hope everything works out, “said Diaz.

Richard Ramirez, bartender at Trophy Pizza in Pioneer Square, said the announcement was exciting news after a year and a half of persistent restrictions.

Formerly known as Quality Athletics, the pandemic forced the company to move from a sit-down restaurant to a pizzeria by removing some of the indoor dining tables and offering more take-out options.

“Everyone is doing their own part, everyone is doing their thing, and I hope the business will continue to be educated. That would be great,” said Ramirez.