(NewsNation Now) — A restaurant in Vermont that opened just months before the 1918 Spanish flu hit is committed to keeping its customers safe and surviving another pandemic.

The Wayside Restaurant in Montpelier opened in July of 1918 and now the eatery has implemented several safety measures during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic including hands-free bathroom door handles and barriers between tables. Wayside’s current owner says he understands other businesses are struggling, but he believes his restaurant can continue.

“Been hurt very badly by this pandemic but we’re in a position with the reopening of the dining room at 50% capacity to sustain, ah you know, all our employees,” said Brian Zecchinelli, co-owner Wayside restaurant.

He says keeping that restaurant going was close to his heart.

Zecchinelli’s grandfather died of the Spanish flu in 1918.