Local restaurants ease into phased reopening

"I think some are terrified and some are just ready to get out!" said Mandy Weigel, owner of Junkyard Dog Steakhouse, when asked about reopening her restaurant for dine-in.

COVID-19 has hit small businesses hard in the past couple months, and restaurants were no exception.

Last Friday, April 24, Gov. Bill Lee issued the "Tennessee Pledge," which stated that restaurants would be able to reopen at 50% capacity.

Most local restaurants have used this time to create a curbside service and issue a deep clean. Some even used this time to remodel.

Weigel said she had spent most of her time cleaning and getting to know Junkyard Dog's clientele.

"It's gonna be bittersweet when we reopen... [I've had] great conversations and many laughs. It's made me realize that it's not quantity, it's quality," said Weigel.

Casa Grande and Southern Skillet have both used their time to completely remodel their restaurants.

Southern Skillet re-opened on Monday, April 27, for dine-in services. Curbside pick-up is also still available for those who prefer it.

"I think people are wanting to get back out and they're glad to be able come in and sit down to eat," said Leslie Cotham, Southern Skillet owner.

Casa Grande has also done a complete remodel, on the inside and out.

"We're working diligently to finish our remodeling plan in order to offer you a better place to dine-in," said the owners in a Facebook post.

Casa does still offer online ordering, call-ins, delivery, and curbside pick-up.

Junkyard Dog opened up for dine-in on Wednesday, April 29. However, they will still remain closed on Sundays until Mother's Day, May 10.

Hanks has started their abbreviated hours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in order to paint and deeply clean the inside of their restaurant.

They have announced that they will be aiming to open for dine-in on Monday, May 4.

According to the governor's restaurant guidelines, employees should be screened for symptoms each day by having their temperature taken and answering questions.

Employees that show any symptom should be sent home immediately.

They have also been encouraged to wear face-masks and implement good hygiene practices like sanitizing surfaces and washing their hands more frequently.

Restaurants have also been requested to screen the people who come in to dine as well as sit them six feet apart.

Both Weigel and Cotham have said that their restaurants will be and will stay clean.

Whether you feel more comfortable getting curbside service, or have been chomping at the bits to finally dine-in, your favorite local restaurants are ready to have you back.