Station One Smokehouse Installs Heated Tent For Winter Dining

PLAINFIELD, IL — As restaurants around the state decide to defy Gov. J.B. Pritzker's orders and keep indoor dining open amid the coronavirus surge, a popular Plainfield eatery has figured out a way to save the business while ensuring guests are safe.

Station One Smokehouse, located at 15025 South Des Plaines St., has set up an outdoor tent with guidance from the Will County Health Department, said co-owner Justin Hudetz. The tent is heated with wood pellet smokeless space heaters in preparation for the winter months, and it allows for proper ventilation. According to the owners, the whole experience is somewhat akin to glamping — camping with luxurious, resort-style amenities.

"Eating in a tent is not a common experience. It is very outdoorsy," Hudetz said. "We ventilate so you've got fresh outside air constantly passing through, instead of being recycled and contained as much as being inside. It's what the health department recommends."

The governor announced new restrictions Region 7 (Will and Kankakee) after positivity rates in those two counties eclipsed 8 percent for three straight days. As per the mitigations, indoor dining had to be suspended.

Hudetz said business has been generally down this year, and they survived the early stages "thanks to our PPP loan, and outdoor dining that got us through the summer." He said they've not had to lay off employees yet.

"Business will suffer until the pandemic is under control. We know that business will not return to normal until restrictions can be lifted, and people feel safe going out to eat," he said. "We're hopeful that day comes sooner than later. But we are very appreciative of the support from our community."

The restaurant did not receive any monetary help from the village officials, but Hudetz said they've been very accommodating about all the changes he had to implement. He has received several queries from diners, and he wants them to know that "we plan to continue to follow all guidelines and ensure a safe experience for all of our guests."

For those who do not feel comfortable dining inside the tents, there's a carryout menu available on the eatery's website.

"In the absence of any stimulus, restaurants are suffering, and complying with state guidelines is tough on business. We completely respect and understand our neighboring restaurants opting for indoor dining as the alternative to shutting their doors," Hudetz said. "We're trying to hold out. We want to ensure the safety of our guests and employees as best we can."

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