COVINGTON, Ky. (WKRC) - This is the second year restaurants are heading into the winter season during a pandemic.

Last year owners had to get creative to stay afloat, but a year later the situation has drastically changed.

Around the holidays last year ‘Smoke Justis’ in Covington, like hundreds of restaurants, turned to outdoor pods to say open.

"We were able to rally them up from four different states so that was huge, but this year will be different," said General Manager, Damian Wilson.

Some businesses are choosing to keep heated tents, igloos and pods to encourage customers to come out during the slow months in Kentucky and Ohio.

According to The Ohio Restaurant Association President, John Barker, they're a good addition to business.

"I think they'll stay around. You’ll see that all around the city again this year. It will be, maybe wear your jacket and boots and eat outside," said Barker.

But this year, with the vaccine and lifted restrictions, Wilson says there’s no need.

“Oh God, we’ve seen unprecedented sales. We haven’t seen a decline at all. I think everybody after a year and a half of being repressed are coming back with vengeance," said Wilson.

The staff is making sure they stay COVID-19 friendly by making use of more space in the restaurant.

Barker says having both options for dining is important to reach consumers of all ages.

"When we look at age cohorts older people are still skeptical to go out. They are not doing it quite as much so if you had restaurants near you that had that outdoor alternative, that’s going to be a way to get them to come out," said Barker.