VCA Spotlight: Taverna Agora rooftop in hot demand before and during coronavirus pandemic
Katherine Goldfaden described Taverna Agora's outdoor patio as "a little escape from what's down the street and what's going on in our lives."
Posted — UpdatedKatherine Goldfaden described Taverna Agora's outdoor patio as "a little escape from what's down the street and what's going on in our lives."
Goldfaden is the senior director of brands for LM Restaurants, the family-owned business that owns Taverna Agora.
When Taverna Agora had to close its in-person dining in March after a state mandate, the Greek restaurant switched gears to continue serving food through delivery and curbside.
"That has been no small feat. We at Taverna, being a Greek restaurant, had a loyal following," explained Goldfaden. "Our menu was ready."
In late May, when restaurants were able to reopen again, Taverna Agora's rooftop patio provided a spot for people looking to dine out while still staying safe.
"The rooftop gives us that little vacation,” Goldfaden said.
"That rooftop has always been in hot demand. One thing we miss is the ability to have large parties, private events," Goldfaden said.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, the rooftop could be booked for rehearsal dinners, weddings and any kind of special event.
Golden said nestled in the trees, the patio was a popular spot for friends and families to gather.
"It was a little oasis. It had a nice view. It was just a cool little spot,” she said.
The rooftop patio isn't the only outdoor option at Taverna Agora. The restaurant also has a three-season patio in the front of the building.
"That is a comfort for people who aren't ready to be in the restaurant, but outdoors may be a little bit okay," Goldfaden said.
While Taverna Agora isn't able to be back at full capacity yet, Goldfaden said the restaurant is grateful to see people beginning to return.
"People have been going back to their favorite places and sharing some love in the community. It's not ideal. We miss our bar friends. We'd like for all of us to be a community together again, but we understand and we're there, we're doing it," she said.
Just last month, Taverna Agora relaunched its brunch menu, giving diners more options for not only dining at the restaurant but for curbside and delivery.
Taverna Agora was 2019's WRAL Voters' Choice Awards winner for best outdoor patio.
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