Cabana Sam’s and the Sunset Bay Beach are up and running, of course, with new protocols because of the pandemic. The restaurant has been open for takeout since the Memorial Day weekend, and as soon as Gov. Andrew Cuomo allowed it, the patio has been open to the public, at reduced capacity.

As of Tuesday, the public is now allowed inside as well, at 50% capacity.

“Attendance has been pretty normal for this time of year, even with all the new rules and short staff,” said owner Kelly Borrello. “On really nice days the beach has been quite busy, considering there’s not much to do right now.”

New procedures that the restaurant has to comply with include setting the tables at least 6 feet apart, requiring masks when people leave their table and separated bar stools as well. The employees must wear masks at all times.

OBSERVER Photo by Natasha Matteliano Dozens of beach-goers are pictured earlier this week at Sunset Bay. Cabana Sam’s and the Sunset Bay Beach have reopened amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Borrello said the new protocols makes the job operationally a lot of work, but she explained that it’s worth it to be able to open.

“I’m super excited to be open and back to work,” Borrello said. “The only negatives are the supply chain, which has been getting back on track, and the staffing shortage.”

Ever since COVID-19 came to the country, people on unemployment in New York state who made minimum wage, or close to it, have been receiving an extra $600 a week, which is exponentially more than they normally make working. This has seemed to deter employees from wanting to go back to work, Borrello said.

“For the staff that have chosen to come back to work, they are super happy,” Borrello said. “The customers are happy we’re open as well.”

The Sunset Bay Beach is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Cabana Sam’s being open as well, from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Cabana Sam’s should have the full menu back in stock by next week, according to Borrello, as the supply chains are catching up finally.

“I’m very proud of all the work we’ve all done,” Borrello said. “Even with the new guidelines it’s worth seeing customers enjoy their time here.”