Dummy diners add 'atmos' while helping customers social distance

The owner of a downtown Auckland restaurant has placed mannequins at tables to give his joint a full feel while helping customers stay separated and safe.

Restaurant owners face challenging restrictions to ensure social distancing rules are in place with tables separated from each other and a single-server rule to meet Covid-19 Level 2 guidelines.

And Luis Cabrera said with the new distancing requirements, his restaurant felt lonely and empty.

The owner of Besos Latinos says the mannequins sitting at every second table are essential to keep the distance between real customers.

“This is a fun way to serve customers but also making sure we are abiding by the law.”

Customer Samantha Wusays although it’s a bit creepy, she can “still appreciate something new like this and have a laugh too”.

“It’s a dining experience I have never thought to experience before, but I loved it.”

While he expected customers to be quizzical, Mr Cabrera thought to make it as normal as possible.

“Our dolls are dressed as the usual customer that would come by, couples, workers, they each have a name and character they represent."

Mr Cabrera says it has brought more attention to the newly opened restaurant - people stop to take photos which brought more diners.

“We recently opened in December. It was going steady until we had to shut for lockdown. It’s been tough, but we are making the most out of it.”

AUDIO: Listen here to Luis Cabrera talk about his restaurant’s mannequin idea and why he chose to do that.