CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Texas is counting down to 11:59 p.m. Thursday when Gov. Greg Abbott’s stay-at-home orders expire. The next day, people will be allowed back inside stores and restaurants at 25% capacity.
While restaurants are allowed to open their restaurants to a quarter capacity starting Friday, several local spots say they’re keeping their dining rooms closed.
While each restaurant has its own reasons for not reopening its dining room, the common thread is safety.
Clark says her restaurant, Sandi’s Diner, is doing about half the business it normally does. Despite the downturn, Clark is willing to wait a couple weeks before seating tables. She is, however, making some changes.
“We are going to allow people to come in and order so they don’t have to stay out in the heat or in the sun, but it’s going to stay curbside with me at least another two weeks,” said Clark.
Clark isn’t alone. The Hu-Dat Noodle House chain is also keeping its dining rooms closed.
“It is a little too early, we can wait another week, maybe two, to do it slowly,” said owner Lyly Le.
Le says even though business is down about 60%, she’s comfortable keeping things as is, until her staff is up to speed on new cleaning and safety procedures.
“If we can prevent someone from being sick or our employees from being sick, for right now, health is still number one to us,” said Le.
While most restaurants say safety is their main concern, for others, size is the question. One restaurant employee told KRIS Communications that his restaurant was so small, opening at quarter capacity simply doesn’t make sense.
Other restaurants which confirmed to KRIS Communications that their dining rooms are staying closed this Friday include 8te, Drunkn' Noodlez, Nuevo Cafe, Pho Life, Z-Counter, Andy's Kitchen, and Yo Philly Cheese Steaks.
