Some dining rooms to open Friday
Many bars must wait til mid-May
When businesses begin reopening Friday, bars won't be among them nor will many locally owned restaurants.
Updated state guidelines for phase one of Gov. Kevin Stitt's plan to reopen state businesses moved phase two to May 15 and pushed bar openings to t hen. However, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt on Wednesday issued a proclamation that says Oklahoma City bars with food service may re open Friday if they follow the restrictions placed on restaurant dining rooms.
While many restaurants will reopen dining rooms on Friday, don' t expect local dining options to expand exponentially until later in the month.
"As a company, we have decided that it is just too soon ," Keith Paul, president of A Good Egg Dining, posted on social media. "In my opinion, there isn' t a right or wrong answer; these are tough decisions. We will continue to hone our curbside efforts over the month of May as we work on a reopening plan for the rest of our restaurants."
In its update to guidelines, the state reiterated curb side carry-out and delivery service is the best way to support local restaurants during the pandemic. Dine rs are encouraged to book reservations where applicable. If a restaurant offers call-ahead orders for dining in, take advantage.
Dining rooms that do re open will look different. Seating options will be limited because occupied tables must be spaced six feet apart. Patios will be open as long as six-foot distancing can be maintained. Lori Burson plans to open her patio at Stella Modern Italian on Friday but she will continue with take-out and delivery service, too, while keeping the dining room inside closed.
Chef Kurt Fleischfresser, director of culinary operations for Vast and partner in Western Concepts restaurant group, said Vast will likely remain dark until June and Western Concepts properties will continue with take-out and delivery service for the time being.
“Sushi Neko just reopened l ast week for takeout, and killed i t,” he said. “We're going to allow people to sit on the patio if they want to eat with no service. ”He said The Hutch on Avondale will offer the same with its patio.
If you have to wait, it will be in a waiting area with six-foot
distancing between parties whether inside or out. At the table, don't be surprised to see disposable menus and single-use tabletop accout re men ts. Any reusable items like condiments and shakers must be sanitized after each table change. Buffet sand self-service stations will have designated staff to assist, using distancing markers on the floor. Hand sanitizer should be available to customers in strategic spots around the dining room. Places that require payment at the register should have distancing marked on the floor.
Servers will likely wear masks, as will kitchen staff working in close proximity. The state encourages restaurants to take temperatures of each employee before shifts. If a restaurant can't take temperatures on-site, employees should confirm they've self-monitored at home.
If all goes well, Phase 2 begins May 15 and will allow bars to reopen with social distancing limits and banquets to commence with a maximum of six people for 60- inch round tables and eight people for 72- inch rounds.