Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce representatives celebrated Cerulean of Winona Lake’s new outdoor dining igloos on Wednesday, Dec. 2. Pictured during a ribbon-cutting, from left: Chamber Member Relations Manager Scott Wiley, Chamber Ambassador Travis Julian, Tennyson France, Cerulean owner Caleb France, Chamber Ambassador David Long, Cerulean General Manager Eric Jacko, employee Makayla Fidler, Floor Manager Jen Silveus, employees Ashley Francis and McKenna Gallion and Bar Director Molly Hollar and Chamber President and CEO Rob Parker. InkFreeNews photos by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WINONA LAKE — Restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic have caused businesses to adapt in ways they probably never thought they would.

One of those is Cerulean, 1101 E. Canal St., Winona Lake, which has expanded its outdoor dining options to include igloos.

Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce officials had a ribbon-cutting for the igloos on Wednesday, Dec. 2. The igloos have been up about a month, with patrons starting to use them just last week.

The igloos are clear dome-shaped tents. They have tables inside, which seat up to six people, and the temperature inside is kept at 70 degrees.

Restaurant owner Caleb France said he first saw similar igloos in Chicago, Ill., a few years ago.

“When the pandemic started happening earlier in the year, we kind of thought and saw the writing on the wall that in the winter, obviously we still want some outdoor dining and people would want to have space,” he said. “We made the decision back then to go ahead and get them, which we’re glad because now they’re sold out all over the place.”

The igloos are open for dinner only 5-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Customers dining in them may order off of Cerulean’s regular menu, including sushi, fried chicken sandwiches and pasta.

France did say the igloos will be fine in regular snow, but if there’s a powerful snowstorm going on, they’ll have to be closed. He might consider adding more in the future.

Other future plans for Cerulean include a partnership with DoorDash starting next week. People may have their favorites dishes delivered if they live within 20 miles of the restaurant.

France is also looking at having trivia nights on Thursdays inside the restaurant but that depends on how state coronavirus restrictions continue to play out.

A look at some of the igloos. Up to six people may sit inside one.