According to the National Restaurant Association, Mother's Day is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants, and this year, looser pandemic restrictions allowed more people to enjoy the day together.

Red Eye Café is a busy breakfast spot in Walnut Street in Montclair and Mother's Day takes it the next level. But with indoor capacity capped at 50%, it makes it difficult to meet the demand. However soon that will change when nearly all capacity limits will be lifted across New Jersey on May 19.

For restaurants, this Mother's Day was a welcomed change from last year when only take out and outdoor dining was available.

"Compared to other holidays, it's one of the better ones," says Peter Rotsibes, the owner of Morristown Diner.

"There's definitely a lot more ease this year. I think last year, it was sort of a tense time," says Anthony Brinton, the owner of Red Eye Café. "The staff is thankful that they get a little extra in the tip jar and a few extra hours."

As most capacity restrictions will be lifted May 19, eateries expect that all tables will be available for indoor dining by Father's Day.

"It's OK. Wait is better than never. It's going to be a good change and people will be able to go out without worrying about 'can we get a seat? can we sit down and eat?'" Rotsibes says.

Sunday was the first time in 13 months capacity limits have been lifted. However, social distancing practices are still in place.

Valentine’s Day and Father's Day are also two of the top three busiest dining holidays of the year.