Restaurant that defied coronavirus health order ordered to shut down

DANVILLE >> A Danville restaurant that was one of many that defied local health orders was ordered to close after repeated violations.

Contra Costa County health officials confirmed Incontro Ristorante on Hartz Avenue in Danville was cited seven times for violations of the county health order that currently does not allow outdoor dining and had its health permit suspended last week.

After the county shut down the restaurant last week, on Tuesday, the permit was reinstated and the restaurant was allowed to reopen but only for takeout and delivery. ABC7 News reported the restaurant faced thousands in fines and had stayed open to help its employees keep a job.

The owners of Incontro did not respond to requests for comment.

Incontro was one of several downtown Danville restaurants that defied health orders last month and continued to operate its outdoor dining service despite a call from the county to shut it down. Only takeout and delivery for restaurants is allowed under current COVID-19 restrictions.

Restaurants said they were struggling to keep their businesses afloat and that allowing only takeout or delivery wasn’t enough to cover their costs.

One such restaurant was Crumbs on Railroad Avenue, which at first allowed outdoor dining in December despite the county’s order. Co- owner Amy Sidhom said in an interview Wednesday that it’s open now for takeout and delivery only but keeps its patio seating open on weekends for customers who might want a table to eat their food there. She compared it with a park bench in that there is no service— no waiters or waitresses taking orders, plates or silverware — just tables and chairs. Food consumption on the premises still is not allowed under the current health order.

“We’re using our patio like a picnic area,” she said.

Crumbs has received warnings so far but no fines, Sidhom said.

The restaurant at one point staged an awareness campaign by displaying names and stories of its employees on chairs on the sidewalks — such as one who has six children, or one who is putting herself through nursing school.

“It’s a reminder a lot are privileged enough to stay home. But many who are affected don’t have that luxury,” Sidhom said.

She contested the notion that the restaurants are staging such protests or defiance just for financial gain.

“The truth is we’re opening just to pay our bills. Our rent stays the same, no matter what the health order is,” she said. “I’m not getting rich.”

She noted that for takeout and delivery, she needs a much smaller staff, meaning she can’t employ as many people as when outdoor or indoor dining is provided. When outdoor dining was permitted and the city allowed eateries to expand services to the sidewalk or even the street, it made a “huge difference” for business, having nearly as much capacity as when indoor dining was allowed, she said.

Some Danville restaurants joined in on petitioning the county, asking to be allowed to open for Christmas. But Sidhom said the petition was denied.

Other restaurants throughout Contra Costa County filed a lawsuit against the county to overturn the county health order for outdoor dining. A judge indicated in mid-December he wasn’t likely to halt the county’s outdoor dining ban.