Michelin starred restaurant recruits group of mannequins to help with social distancing

Mannequins costumed in 1940s era clothing are seated in the dining area of the Inn at Little Washington
Getty Images
Ellena Cruse15 May 2020

A Michelin starred restaurant has filled its venue with mannequins to help maintain social distancing.

The Inn at Little Washington, located in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, has sat dummies - dressed in 1940s garb - at each table.

Owner Patrick O’Connell said the aim is to help keep patrons apart, while also making the restaurant appear more full, in a whimsical fashion. They will also provide photo opportunities and some much needed quiet companionship after Covid-19 lockdown, he said.

It comes as business restrictions are being eased in Virginia, with restaurants being told they can open up with 50 per cent capacity from Friday.

However, the three-Michelin-star restaurant has opted to wait until May 29 to resume its service indoors despite its dummy additions.

The mannequins make for quiet table companions
AP

Speaking about his decision to incorporate plastic people at his venue, the chef and proprietor said the idea easily remedied concerns he had about life after lockdown.

“When we needed to solve the problem of social distancing and reducing our restaurant’s occupancy by half, the solution seemed obvious," Mr O’Connell said.

Virginia will allow businesses to reopen at 50 per cent occupancy
Getty Images

"Fill it with interestingly dressed dummies.

“This would allow plenty of space between real guests and elicit a few smiles and provide some fun photo ops.”

The mannequins also provide photo opportunities for diners
AP

The self-taught cook has won multiple awards including the 2019 James Beard Foundation’s lifetime achievement award.

He was also handed the National Humanities Medal in 2019.

Mr O'Connell added: “We’re all craving to gather and see other people right now.

"They don’t all necessarily need to be real people.”

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