Some owners worried about loss of business as Raleigh mask mandate goes back into place

Despite the mask requirement, Friday looked like another busy night on Glenwood South. But, at each bar and restaurant -- customers will have to wear masks.

"I think it is a smart thing to do. I'm going to abide by it as soon as it goes into effect, even though I've been vaccinated," said Jason Kim.

Employees posted signs informing customers they must wear a mask to come inside at restaurants along Glenwood South.

We learned to be ready and we learned that anything could happen," said Mellow Mushroom general manager Steve Gardner.

Masks required again in Raleigh starting Friday night

"We've been prepared for it for a while," added Gardner. "COVID didn't go away. We are definitely not surprised. It's hot and that is a bit tough but we will get through it like we did before."

Some managers told WRAL News that they were unhappy with the timeline of the mandate.

"My personal opinion is that I think people should be able to do what they want. I understand the government wants to encourage people to wear a mask [but] enforcement is another thing," said a manager who asked not to be identified by WRAL News.

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Gym owners also said they're worried about the impact of an indoor mask mandate.

"It does feel like a backtrack," said Jake Giamoni, the owner of Heat Studios. "It's a little bit sad, and I think our members will probably feel the same way."

Giamoni said that while the new mandate is disappointing, it's not surprising.

"When the masks came off - instantaneously - there was a lightness in the room and people were excited," he described.

List: Businesses, events requiring vaccination proof, masks

When the mandate went into effect on Friday, Giamoni said he was about to start his 5:15 p.m. class and wasn't sure if everyone got the memo to mask up.

"I'm not even sure if people will be walking in with their mask or not, or if they'll know about it," said Giamoni.

Giamoni said the gym's memberships have gone up since the mask mandate was lifted last month. Now, he's worried that some may cancel their membership.

"They may be uncomfortable wearing a mask, especially in higher intensity classes, so we're crossing our fingers that's not the case but we're preparing for the worst," he said.

Normally, Heat Studio would hold class outdoors to avoid masking up, but the dangerously high temperatures don't allow for it.

Giamoni said he's working closely with his staff to figure out a plan for all members.

"It really does affect that side of things, so when people are wearing masks, you're just going to see people not talking to each other and the setting is not as fun -- if I'm being honest," he added.