Throughout the day Saturday, Faction Brewing in Alameda had a line that got longer, with customers ready to come back.
RELATED: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area
"It's been really great to see all the happy faces out here. Even though it's freezing cold, people are happy to be out here," said Claudia Pamparana, Faction Brewing co-owner.
[Ads /]
Emeryville resident, Jenna Quilalang visited Faction with a group of friends who were celebrating getting vaccinated.
"You know last time I came was with her to this place. It's been a while - that was September," said Quilalang.
Before, breweries were required to offer food in order to open. As the tiers shifted, what helped Faction was the Scolari's food truck on their property.
VIDEO: Contra Costa, Sonoma counties move into less restrictive red tier
Contra Costa, Sonoma counties move into less restrictive red tier on Sunday: 'Excited, but a little cautious'
"We are all family at this point. We work together and we are doing this as a team and for the last seven months we couldn't open unless we had a food truck so we relied on them to be here," said Pamparana and added, "We struggled a little bit. January was a little scary but luckily things like round two of PPP loans came around and we were able to hang on and luckily we were open to reopen in January and things have been brighter."
[Ads /]
Scolari's food truck owner, Michael Boyd, says they have helped each other throughout this pandemic. The two business owners have been working together for the past four years.
"They couldn't do it without us and I don't know that we could do it without them," said Boyd.
RELATED: How will US make its 255 million adults eligible for COVID vaccine by May 1?
Starting today the food requirement has been lifted. Alameda County is in the red tier which means breweries can open outdoors only and are required to implement a 90-minute time limit per table and the business has to close by 8 p.m.
[Ads /]
All the changes in tiers inspired Faction Brewing to come out with a new beer called "No more tiers."
"Were selling just above our cost to help support them (restaurants and bars) so they can make some money and get some people out there. We just released it this week and we told everybody when you see that beer on tap order it because you are helping that business," said Pamparana.
Something else breweries and wineries are looking forward to is that once their counties move into the orange tier they'll be able to open indoors at 25% capacity or up to 100 people whichever is fewer.
If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- From COVID-19 to Black Lives Matter, these 13 people defined the Bay Area in 2020
- Map: CA counties that can, can't reopen under new rules
- CALCULATOR: Find out how many people may get a COVID-19 vaccine before you
- VIDEO: When will I get the COVID-19 vaccine? We explain who goes 1st
- COVID-19 risk calculator: The safest and most dangerous things to do this holiday season
- Want to get a COVID-19 test in time for the holidays? Here's what you need to know
- Updated number of COVID-19 deaths, cases in Bay Area
- Map shows everywhere you can get a COVID-19 test in the Bay Area
- COVID-19 Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during pandemic
- California EDD: The most commonly asked questions we get about unemployment and PUA
- Health experts urge flu shots in effort to avoid 'twindemic'
- How to tell the difference between seasonal allergies and coronavirus symptoms
- Here's which mask is better to protect from COVID-19
- First COVID-19 vaccine volunteers in US describe experience as Bay Area launches vaccine trials
- Coronavirus origin: Where did COVID-19 come from?
- What is a COVID-19 genetic, antigen and antibody test?
- What will it take to get a COVID-19 vaccine and how will it be made?
- What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
- Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
- Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area
- Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic