Even though we’re not out of the pandemic just yet, some restaurants are emerging and say their numbers are comparable to what it looked like pre-pandemic.

"Back and better." That’s how some restaurants on the Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf in California describe their comeback following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The numbers are fully recovered. We're doing business absolutely comparable to 2019,” said Kevin Phillips, managing partner with The Rockfish Harbor Grill in California.

CEO of Old Fisherman’s Grotto in California, Chris Shake also says business numbers are up. He said, “When you compare pre-pandemic numbers to what we're doing now, it's been amazing.”

Fortunately, for some restaurants like the Old Fisherman’s Grotto, they didn’t take too hard of a hit and part of it is thanks to in-state tourism.

“Business has been terrific. We've got people coming in from the Central Valley, in Sacramento and the Bay Area and domestic tourism for our area has been great,” Shake said.

Although, like many restaurants and businesses, The Rockfish Grill faced challenge after challenge. They began renovation right before the pandemic hit and it has been a constant adaptation since.

Phillips explained, “After 18 months of renovation, it was extended about 8 months because of the pandemic. We couldn't get permits, we couldn't get materials, work shut down several times.”

In the end, they say they not only survived but prevailed and are feeling optimistic and looking forward to international tourism.

“Everyone came back together and I was so impressed with our chef and our general manager who not only put a full crew back together very quickly but a real quality crew. Now, international is reopen so we’re looking forward to seeing more of that,” Phillips said.

Watch the video above for the full story.

Before COVID-19, shaking hands was a common way to greet people. Usually, we didn't even think about it.

Shaking hands is engrained deep into our culture. It's been around for thousands of years, stemming back to the days of the ancient Hebrews. Later, the ancient Romans and ancient Greeks shook hands to sign on official deals.

The extension of the hand was seen as extension of an olive branch.

“Some people believe the actual grasping of the hands and the up and down motion of the handshake was that, if there was a weapon in someone’s sleeves, it would be lodged out or you would hear it clank,” said Maralee McKee, an etiquette expert and founder of the The Etiquette School of America.

Fast forward to today, it might feel a little jarring if someone tries to extend their hand to us.

McKee expects most people to be okay with shaking hands when it’s safe to do so, but we should expect some people to be hesitant.

A recent Harris poll for Fast Company found 54% of people would be happy to never shake someone's hand again. In those instances, it is up to the person who does not want to shake hands to let it be known.

“Actually, put your hands behind your back, something that would usually be very rude, but go ahead and put your hands behind your back. In other words, ‘I’m not going to be extending it.’ But let your kindness come through via a smile on your face, making eye contact. A nod of the head is always a polite thing to do.”

Another option is to simply let people know you won't be shaking hands. There are also alternative greetings we can use now and in the future.

“Take your hand and put it here over your shoulder. And just do a slight bow of the head. That way it gives you and the other person something to do with your hands,” said McKee.

At the end of the day, we should always remember that everyone has different levels of comfort. Both comfort and etiquette are likely to change as the pandemic situation changes.