More restaurants have moved outside to continue business during the pandemic and many felt the heat in Paso Robles on Friday.
Business owners were preparing for the spike in temperatures this weekend, but several customers say the heat won't drive them away.
“I like the heat. I don’t like being cold," said Michael Brimage of San Miguel.
The Barrintos family, traveling through the region from Bakersfield, also said they were delighted to be enjoying lunch outdoors and actually escape the heat of the Central Valley.
"Having cool weather today. This is cool for us, yeah," Alessandra Barrintos laughed with her family.
She said the added outdoor seating has been a nice new feature.
Many businesses along 12th St. in downtown Paso Robles say the outdoor seating has become the norm for the city, even during the heat. La Cosecha Bar and Restaurant owner Carole Macdonal says there are still concerns regarding the safety of workers at her restaurant.
“Our employees are doing four times the work now because they have to bring the tables outside and the umbrellas outside before the shift, so they’re exhausted by the time the shift starts," Macdonal said.
Her advice for employees and guests is to dress accordingly for the heat, wear a mask, and drink plenty of water.
Marv's Pizza in Paso Robles said they had slower business Friday afternoon but it was picking up closer to the evening.
“We’ll get tourists coming into town, getting off work, looking to enjoy the weekend," said Donald Syracuse, restaurant manager.
Syracuse says dine-in options are a bit warm for guests, but takeout has been consistent in the evenings. They anticipate business to pick up into the night and weekend.
The City of Paso Robles has opened a cooling center at Centennial Park gym, which will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Monday.
