Customers are doing what they can to support their local restaurants, even eating out in the cold, writes Kate Katro for 6abc.com.

“I’m tired of cooking, my kids are home full time,” said Latanya Owens, from Southwest Philadelphia. Owens was dining out in Media and getting a lot more takeout this holiday than in previous years.

COVID dining restrictions in Pennsylvania are in place for now until Jan. 4. That means empty tables inside Spasso Italian Grill in Media.

“Typically this time of the year we’re used to having a packed restaurant every single night,” said Zac Schauerman, a server at Spasso.

Spasso’s is busy with takeout, even bringing the traditional seven fish meal to people’s homes. Still, there’s less staff needed overall and less tips.

Fellini Café has gas lamps for outdoor dining, something Mary Wolff never pictured herself doing for Christmas week. She’s braving the cold with a coat, dining on the sidewalk.

“If it’s over 30 degrees and sunny, you go out,” said Wolff.

Zubair Khan, with Media Business Authority, said now more than ever people need to support local restaurants.

Read more about the effort to support Media’s restaurants at 6abc.com.