WORCESTER, Mass. - Restaurant group Niche Hospitality is looking forward to having more people dine in with them.

President Michael Covino says they're already preparing for May 29 when the state’s capacity limits are lifted.

"We have some navigating still to do," Covino said. "I don't think it's a total free for all. We want to be responsible."

Covino says his restaurants saw a gradual increase in customers as restrictions were rolled back. But the challenge now is having enough staff to handle more diners.

It’s an issue they've dealt with for months.

"It's been even more tough as of late," Covino said. "A lot of people that are working hard, it's a little harder than we want it to be."

And with the summer season approaching, it's a problem he says they need to address now.

Covino said, "If there are only so many cooks in the kitchen, it affects timing. If there's only so many staff on, it affects our ability to seat the whole restaurant or seat one after the other."

Stronger Personal Training is ready for the increased capacity.

Owner Frank Nash says his staff is prepared, and is hopeful people in Massachusetts are as well.

"I want people to not be afraid anymore," Nash said. "I think by us slowly getting away from the masks, it's going to lower our fear down."

Nash describes it as a long time coming, after what he calls an unhealthy 15 months. Nash said, "This pandemic has caused a lot of us to shelter in place, which again was some of the guidance. Unfortunately that made some of us a little more unhealthy. I think it's time for all of us to take back our health."

Nash says his masking policy will be in line with CDC guidance. If you're vaccinated, you don't have to wear a mask. If you're unvaccinated, you do. He says he won't be checking people's information, it will all be based on the honor system.​