The dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases in Erie County has prompted the owner of Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro to suspend indoor dining until further notice. 

Effective Wednesday, the restaurant will only offer carry-out, online and curbside pick-up. 

Owner Karen Thomas says it was a difficult but necessary decision, saying she wanted to make sure her employees and customers were safe - as well as herself.  

Thomas says the restaurant offers a very intimate environment and she just didn't feel comfortable risking peoples' health. 

She also says the time of year factored into the decision to suspend indoor dining. With the holiday season approaching, she said she didn't want groups of people gathering inside the restaurant.

Thomas believes suspending indoor dining was the right call to make, at least until medical systems and supplies aren't strained as much as they are right now amid the surge in cases.

Pineapple Eddie, located at 1402 W. 10th St. in Erie, will soon offer holiday meal deals and continue to offer chef's daily specials.