Operators of one of the country’s most famous restaurants say mannequins can add some fun and help with social distancing in public places. The Inn at Little Washington has placed several throughout its eating area, or dining room. The restaurant in Virginia plans to reopen its dining room May 29, as the state is expected to ease restrictions on gatherings inside restaurants. The mannequins wear 1940s-style clothing and sit at several tables. The Inn is in the low hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains about 90 minutes by car from Washington, D.C. “When we needed to solve the problem of social distancing and reducing our restaurant’s occupancy by half, the solution seemed obvious,” Patrick O’Connell said in a statement. He is chef and owner of the restaurant. He said the mannequins create the required space between guests. But, he said they also bring smiles to faces and might be used to make some fun photos.
