SAN ANTONIO — Sangria on the Burg has taken hit after hit in this pandemic.
"We've struggled," says Owner Ceasar Zepeda. "I think every small business owner that's stayed open has struggled."
Zepeda has changed how he runs his restaurant over the last year in order to keep it in business. He's embraced capacity limits, social distancing and enhanced safety measures.
"We're fighting the good fight," Zepeda said. "We're still going to be here."
Now, he's faced with another tough decision. Without Gov. Greg Abbott's mask mandate or capacity limit in place – which will be the case come March 10 – will he continue to do what he's been doing?
"For so long, you couldn't wait for this day," Zepeda said. "Now that it's here, I can't help but feel like it's a little premature. I think all those rules have worked. I think the numbers are where there are because we've done better."
He's looking forward to increasing his operating capacity back to 100%. He's more concerned about the mask requirement that's now up to him to enforce, should he choose to do so.
"I'm concerned about my staff's safety," Zepeda said. "I'm leaning toward still having my staff wear masks and maybe requiring anyone that comes here."
He and other business owners have until next Wednesday to make up their minds; that's when the governor's mandates will officially be repealed.
Zepeda is weighing the options. He knows neither path will be problem-free.
"You're never going to make everybody happy," Zepeda said. "But if they're here, they're in my house. They're in our house and they'll have to do what we ask them to do, or they can go somewhere else. And I totally understand that."