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Meet the new socially distant restaurant experience

From individual pods to inflatable diners, restaurants around the world find creative solutions to ensure guests stay at least six feet apart

As restaurants reopen for dine-in around the world, most guidelines require that guests and workers maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Many states have also set limits to reduce capacity to 50%, or even as low as 25%, to gradually ramp up business. But no one said compliance had to be dull.

Some operators have taken a creative approach, as they work to build trust with their guests.

In China, restaurants have adjusted to social distancing guidelines with barriers at tables or roping off areas to maintain 1.5 meters distance.

In France, Italy, the Netherlands and other countries, restaurants have begun to reopen with interesting ways of blocking off tables and distancing patrons while keeping staff safe.

In the U.S., where more than half of states have begun lifting dine-in restrictions, operators are using blow-up dolls and mannequins to help dining rooms appear full and lighten the mood.

Ahead, see what restaurants — from chains like McDonalds and Burger King, to small independents — around the world are doing to reopen while following social distancing guidelines.

Contact Holly at [email protected]

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