Dozens of restaurants from the greater Norwich area, ranging from Griswold and Voluntown to Niantic, will not be waiting until the state eases COVID-19 restrictions in May to celebrate the arrival of warmer weather and optimism that the economy might soon return to normal.

Thus far, 46 restaurants have signed up to participate in the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Restaurant Week, more than twice the 22 that participated a year ago, chamber Executive Director Angela Adams said. Many have told the chamber they are optimistic that things are improving finally, as they prepare to expand offerings and both indoor and outdoor seating.

Restaurant Week will run from Friday, April 23, through Sunday, May 2, covering two full weekends and the start of the easing of restrictions as announced by Gov. Ned Lamont on Monday. A full list of participating restaurants with links to their websites or Facebook pages to view menus or place orders, is available at the chamber’s website, bit.ly/gnacceats21, or at the chamber’s Facebook page, facebook.com/NorwichCTChamber.

Adams said the Restaurant Week promotional theme will allow participating restaurants to continue to benefit in the weeks to come. At each participating restaurant, if a customer spends at least $10, they can scan a computer bar code on a poster or table card to enter a contest to win a $25 gift card to the various chamber member restaurants.

Restaurant Week sponsor U.S. Foods has donated to the effort to purchase at least 10 gift cards of $25 value, Adams said.

“We’re encouraging people to not only enjoy their favorite restaurant, but to try some others,” she said. “It’s an added value to get people to step out of their comfort zone.”

Several local restaurant owners described differing experiences throughout the pandemic and as conditions start to improve.

Bob Adams, owner of Poppy & Rye Bakery at 137 Norwich Ave. in Taftville, said his business would be doing much better if he could hire the staff he needs to serve customers. He said it’s been nearly impossible to hire staff, and some only stay long enough to qualify for the extended and boosted unemployment benefits offered during the pandemic.

“That’s the biggest problem,” he said. “The business isn’t going to come back, because we can’t service the customers until we can get the help. It’s a very frustrating situation.”

Gary Singh, chef and owner of The Royal Punjabi at 198 Main St. in Norwich, said the Indian restaurant has had very little indoor seating, only about 5%, and has concentrated on takeout and delivery. He said he decided last spring to forego the city’s offer of assistance to set up outdoor dining, because he does not have the staff to make sure the tables are cleaned and litter is discarded properly.

“We’re doing OK,” Singh said. “We’re doing good.”

Tulli’s Family Pizza, at 500 Norwich Ave. in Taftville, and Tulli’s Tap House, at River Ridge golf course at 259 Preston Road in Griswold, both are participating in Restaurant Week. KC Willey, manager of the Taftville restaurant, said the COVID-19 pandemic has been very difficult on the eatery. Because of limited seating, the restaurant had to stop serving its popular breakfasts that routinely filled the dining hall.

Takeout and delivery are “thriving,” Willey said, and he is starting to see more people willing to eat out. He likes the gift card promotion and hopes it could introduce the restaurant to new customers.

“We’re looking forward to putting our tables back up,” he said.

c.bessette@theday.com