At Maxim's in Brookfield, it's been a great week as the staff is once again able to offer customers a seat at a table.
"The first couple of customers that were walking through the door had their arms in the air and shouting 'yeah we're back'! We had the same response to them we were clapping and saying come in and make yourself at home," says Valerie Collelo, manager at Maxim's.
As Wisconsin slowly reopens, staff like Valerie, remember the day COVID-19 forced Maxim's to close its doors.
"We were very unsure. It was a very somber day, it was St. Patrick's Day. It was very sad, we didn't know what to expect. We didn't know when we could reopen or what our customers' response would be," says Valerie.
Two months later, Maxim's has survived. All thanks to the staff and customers.
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"We help each other through bad times and good times. We're there for each other. We have a great community here. If you want to come in please do, but if you're not comfortable with that we are still offering our curbside service. We don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable. Know that we are practicing CDC guidelines. We are wearing masks, gloves, practicing social distancing between our staff members,'' says Valerie.
For Valerie and Maxim's, COVID-19 may have kept everyone apart but it has also brought everyone closer together.
"Our customers here are overwhelmingly loyal, incredibly supportive, we've been messaged and getting generous support from our customers. It puts things into perspective of how lucky we are to be a part of this community," says Valerie.
Maxim's has had to change its hours, but is still open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.