The Central Coast saw warmer than usual January temperatures this weekend and some businesses also noticed a difference in foot traffic.
Chef and owner of Sunsets at Pismo, Brian Appiano, says many customers came through for takeout orders.
“This is our busiest weekend since we opened by far. Obviously the weather has a lot to do with it and it is a 3 day weekend,” Appiano said.
Appiano says they are taking extra precautions to stay safe.
“We are doing everything we can. We have signs for social distancing, we have takeout orders, and all the outdoor dining is public seating," Appiano explained.
Co-owner of Central Coast Kayaks, Tom Reilly says while the warm temperatures have made for great weather, his business is being impacted by other factors.
“With the very large waves we have been having for the last several weeks, we have been unable to get people on the water safely here in Shell beach. Also, [with] the [stay-at-home orders], a lot of the hotels are closed or at least limited in capacity; so the people who would normally be up here decided not to travel," Reilly said.
Reilly says they have seen over a 35% drop in reservations for tours and classes.
“We are hoping once the ocean calms down a little bit, we can get people out on the water again and business will pick up," Reilly said.
Other businesses like Chipwrecked in Pismo Beach, chose a different approach.
They wrote in an Instagram post that they will be closing for the weekend "in an effort to follow the current stay at home order."
