The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

Frida’s Mexican Beach House Manager Michelle Ellman seats guest Ron Croce after the Lahaina restaurant reopened Thursday afternoon. Owner Mark Ellman said the line of customers waiting for the doors to open was encouraging after being closed since March 16. His message to patrons? “Please come. We’re opening at 50 percent capacity, and we need as many people in here as possible to stay open and stay alive.” The veteran Maui restaurateur said Frida’s averaged 300 customers a day before the economic slowdown caused by COVID-19. “I’ve never been afraid to open a business, but this time, I’m scared to reopen a business. We have the best employees, and they have been with us a long time.”

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