When California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that for the second time indoor dining at restaurants would be banned because of the spread of COVID-19, it was especially painful for restaurant owners already struggling with dramatic losses. But now thanks to the City of Pasadena working with MERIDIAN Rapid Defense Group restaurants along busy Colorado Boulevard have been thrown a lifeline. The restaurants are protected by a mix of barriers including MERIDIAN’s Archer 1200 mobile barriers. The city plan resulted in large sections of the boulevard in front of restaurants being cordoned off to create safe on-street dining zones.
"We are pleasantly surprised how business for both lunch and dinner picked up once the barriers went in," said Armen Shirvanian, owner of Pasadena’s popular Mi Piace restaurant.
Diners in his restaurant were enjoying the new experience. "We feel very safe here. Even though the cars are that close the barriers sure make us pretty secure," said Barbara Tarlau a first-time diner from Porter Ranch, CA.
Mr. Shirvanian is hoping the city will go one step further: "Now we have seen this be successful I would like to see the City of Pasadena make it permanent or semi-permanent," he said. "Initially I was skeptical because of the loss of street parking but now it has worked really well."
Peter Whitford, MERIDIAN’s CEO said: "For those restaurant owners who are expanding their footprint out into the street there is no doubt the safety of diners and staff is their most important issue. So, we were happy to be asked by Pasadena city officials to help find a solution with our Archer barriers."
The mobile Archer 1200 Barriers are placed at the front of each enclosed
dining area. Their 700 lbs. of American made steel can stop an out of control car or truck. They provide the perfect solution for cities wanting to help restaurants get back to business while at the same time providing safety for the public.
Archer barriers are also protecting diners in Ventura, CA. where the city closed off ten city blocks to create an outdoor mall and in Miami Beach, FL. where many restaurants have also expanded out onto the street.
