Federal Grill to open for in-dining service
A Houston restaurant owner has decided to defy Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s order that closed many businesses, including restaurants and bars, until May 30.
Owner-operator Matt Brice on Friday will reopen the Hedwig Village location of Federal Grill, which first opened its doors on Feb. 24, at 8731 Katy Freeway, for in-dining service.
“I disagree with Hidalgo’s order. The government does not have the right to pick the winners and losers of this situation,” said Brice. “Until now, we’ve followed it 100 percent to make sure the city is safe. But the numbers are decreasing and it is time to get people back to work.”
Hidalgo in March ordered all bars and clubs in Harris County to close for the next 15 days, a move intended to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. The order also limits restaurants to pickup, delivery and drive-thru orders. The restrictions apply to venues in Houston and throughout the rest of the county.
Brice has put together a list of safety measures that will hang in the restaurant. “Safety comes first. We plan to be more stringent than required,” he said.
That includes temperature checks for all employees before they begin their shift. They will also be required to wear a face mask and gloves, which they will change out regularly.
An attendant will be placed in the entryway to the restroom area, allowing only one person to enter at a time.
As well, the restaurant will operate with a reservation-only policy and several tables will be left empty in between parties for social distancing. “We are only taking up to 30 percent of the restaurant’s capacity,” said Brice.
When it comes to paying the bill, patrons will have the option to pay hands-free via Paypal and Venmo.
“I feel confident that we will have our ducks in a row and systems in place. You will feel confident about having dinner here,” said Brice. “I ask that someone from the health department or government come in and be my guest. They can see firsthand the practices we are putting in place to ensure the safety of people.”
Brice stands firm in his decision,.
“I am not trying to ruffle feathers. But we are getting crushed and I can’t afford to keep paying my staff,” he said. “I can’t take it anymore. We have to survive.”
Federal Grill will open for dinner service from 5 to 8 p.m. Curbside and delivery service still will be offered.