Some restaurants in the area have already started preparing for the New years dinner crowds, including Mary's Restaurant in Herrin.
HERRIN, Ill. (WSIL) --- Some restaurants in the area have already started preparing for the New Year's dinner crowds, including Mary's Restaurant in Herrin.
"We're starting today preparing with some things we can do beforehand. But there's so many things we do here that are more last minute," says David Hays, the restaurant's owner.
Hays says New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day are the busiest nights.
"We do Christmas parties day and night throughout December, and it's a tough month for us because we don't increase our staff. Everybody knows it's a hard month, and we work through it," Hays said.
He says it's essential for them to figure out seating placements and timing with the reservations.
"Because it's not a huge restaurant, but there's a lot of different rooms. If we do 250, that's a great night for us," Hays said.
He describes it as solving a jigsaw puzzle.
"Keep the tables turned and filled and know how long it's going to take. Keep each section full, keep everybody happy,' Hays says. "And then there's a lot of work in the kitchen, of course, a lot of steaks to cut, a lot of food to prepare."
He says most of the food is prepped for the day of service.
"They'll start that morning very early, baking off croissants because it's such a huge day for us," Hays said.
Hays has owned the restaurant for 32 years and has made many New Year memories.
"There's so many that come to see us every year. They make their reservation, they'll make it this weekend for next year when they leave. And we like that," Hays says. "We like traditions," like Larry Phelps and his Wife Kathleen, who have reservations for their family this year.
"My daughter will be here on New Year's Eve with her group," Phelps says. "We just think it's a wonderful place to eat and I'm not exaggerating. It is really good."
Hays says New Year's Eve is the last holiday of their busy season, and they are almost booked up for the night with less than 30 reservations available.
