The warm weather is having a positive impact on West Chester restaurants as diners come out in droves to enjoy the sun and support local businesses, writes Katie Katro for 6ABC.

This influx of patrons is providing some much-needed relief for restaurants, like Kildare’s Irish Pub, that have had to struggle through an unforgiving winter.

“The last couple of weeks and last couple months of winter have been pretty horrific for restaurants,” said Dane Gray, the owner of Kildare’s.

Still, while there is an increase in the number of patrons, a lot of people are hesitant about dining out. This is leaving plenty of tables at local restaurants empty during what should be their busiest time: the lunch hour.

James O’Brien, of the West Chester Restaurant Association, is hoping that, as more people get vaccinated, they will feel comfortable about going out for lunch and dinner.

“It’s been really tough for a lot of places in town,” said O’Brien.

Read more about the local restaurants at 6ABC here.