From The Asbury Park Press…
Nicholas Barrel & Roost in Middletown owner says he’s not breaking indoor dining rules
MIDDLETOWN - Nicholas Barrel & Roost has been open for less than 24 hours, and people are already talking.
But it is not all good.
The restaurant, previously Restaurant Nicholas in Middletown, reopened Monday [after a renovation and rebranding. Owners Nicholas and Melissa Harary, who opened their fine-dining restaurant 20 years ago, said they were planning to transform into a more casual eatery before the pandemic closed dining rooms across the state in March.
Nicholas Barrel & Roost opened for reservations-only dining on Monday, and that evening, a video taken by a passerby showed the parking lot and nearby streets filled with cars and people inside the restaurant. The video was shared on multiple Facebook pages and groups.
On Tuesday, Nicholas Harary said his restaurant is in compliance with an executive order issued July 8 by Gov. Phil Murphy that states in-person service is permitted in restaurants with fixed roofs “with at least two open sides that would comprise over 50% of the total wall space if the space were fully enclosed.”
The restaurant, which has two walls of windows that appeared to be open in the video, can seat 30 diners indoors, said business director Jodie Edwards. A new outdoor patio also has room for 30 diners.
“I understand that people are upset that indoor dining is not open. I’m upset that indoor dining is not open. We are all upset that indoor dining is not open,” Harary said Tuesday. "Nicholas Barrel & Roost (formerly Restaurant Nicholas) is one of many restaurants in the area that was able to comply.
“As a family-run business, I sympathize with all restaurateurs and what we are collectively going through,” he said. “The last thing in the world we should do is attack small business owners or each other.”