Business

Mother's Day weekend business boom sending much-needed help to Triangle restaurants

The owner of Cantina 18 in Raleigh says his sales over the past month are the highest they've been since 2019.

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By
Keenan Willard
, WRAL reporter
RALEIGH, N.C. — As more and more people get vaccinated across the state, restaurants in Raleigh say they're seeing a surge in business.

Mother's Day could lead to the biggest weekend in a long time for many restaurants in the Village District.

NC State Student AJ Toman says he's loving being back at restaurants.

"I think it’s absolutely amazing, I couldn’t be happier," he said.

So many people are flocking back out to eat, it's starting to look like pre-COVID times.

The owner of Cantina 18 says his sales over the past month are the highest they've been since 2019.

"I think the rollout of the vaccine, and people being vaccinated is giving people the comfort to come out," said Cantina 18 owner Jason Smith. "And let’s be honest, how much food can you cook at home for yourself?"

Businesses and customers say they're expecting the crowds to continue going into Mother's Day, especially as families continue to get their vaccines.

Scott Toman says he feels better about being out than he used to.

"We’re vaccinated, so we feel a little bit more comfortable coming out now than we did certainly several months ago," Toman said.

While it's great news for their finances, restaurant owners say they're just happy to be a place for people to come together again.

"Having people coming in that haven’t seen each other, giving hugs and high fives and breaking bread at your table, that’s what small business ownership’s all about," Smith said.

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