Restaurants, bars embrace big Valentine’s Day, Super Bowl weekend after tough January

WALTHAM, Mass. — Local bars and restaurants are expected to see a big boost in business this weekend as patrons step out to celebrate Valentine’s Day and watch the Super Bowl.

Reservations filled up fast at restaurants along Moody Street in Waltham.

Tempo Neighborhood Kitchen was booked solid for Friday and Saturday night, with extra seating at an expanded back bar, a pianist lined up and a special prix fixe menu.

“We’re hoping this is the turn of the tides. January was pretty rough on us and, I think, restaurants across the board,” said Erin Barnicle, who owns Tempo with her husband. “A combination of COVID and weather don’t help that, but I think that this weekend shows a really good opportunity for us to sort of bridge the gap from the slow to maybe people being out again, which is exciting.”

Next door, at Charcoal Guido’s Trattoria, which was closed at this time last year, reservations are also filling up with many couples.

Manager Gabriella Zottola spoke to Boston 25 News as she wrote Valentine’s Day specials on a sign in front of the Italian restaurant and bar.

“I’m hopeful because of the nice weather we’re going to get lots of walk-ins and reservations,” Zottola said. “The past couple of months have been slow. So, we’re hoping for more people coming in this weekend.”

Guido’s Bartender Hagop Keshishyan is hoping for a big Super Bowl attendance.

“Don’t be afraid to go out, have a drink, follow the necessary precautions that you can take, but other than that, how long can live shelled up in a box?” Keshishyan said.

Ling-se and Joseph Chesnakas traveled from Acton to Waltham to celebrate Valentine’s Day early and support their favorite date night spot, Sweet Basil.

“The restaurants have been struggling, so that’s definitely a motivation,” Ling-se said. “It feels really nice to kind of have a sense of normalcy again.”

“I think everyone has been indoors for two years plus, and I think it’s time to just come back out and enjoy a drink and take out a beautiful lady,” Joseph added.

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