Restaurants voluntarily ‘re-close’ as coronavirus cases spike

Texas

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Kolache Factory announced that it would shut down all 27 corporate-owned locations of the Katy, Texas-based chain for dine-in amid surging coronavirus cases in Texas, Kansas and Indiana until further notice.

“With the surge we are seeing right now in our country, we are taking the pre-emptive step of shutting down dining rooms at all corporate-owned locations, so we can protect our customers and employees as much as possible, encourage social distance and continue serving our communities fresh-made kolaches,” said Dawn Nielson, the chain’s chief operating officer, in a statement.

The Empty Stomach group based in Texas that operates Barbaro and Hot Joy closed both restaurants completely amid surging cases in San Antonio. Barbaro plans on opening in two weeks according to the brand’s Facebook page while no re-reopening has been announced for Hot Joy.

Dallas restaurant Bob’s Steak and Chop House is temporarily closing June 28-July 6, while Armory D.E., Ruins and Shoals Sound & Service have also temporarily closed for dine-in according to Dallas News.

The company said no employees have test positive for COVID-19, but employees are nervous and “need a breather.”

Florida

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Lynch’s Irish Pub, The Wreck Tiki Lounge, The Tavern, Mellow Mushroom and Graffiti Junktion have all voluntarily closed completely after a surge of cases were reported in Jacksonville, Fla., following the reopening for dine-in on June 5, according to News 4 Jax.

So far, no employees have tested positive and there aren’t long-term closure plans other than deep cleaning, the company said in the report.

In Florida, spikes in Sarasota have caused venues like Selva Grill to fully close until July 2. The restaurant’s answering machine states, “Thanks for calling Selva, we are voluntarily closed currently while we assess the outbreak in Sarasota.”

Arizona

Miracle Mile Deli, Churchill, Chzburger and Aioli Gourmet Burgers in Phoenix have reportedly announced temporary closures amid a rise in cases in the city, and Churchill announced employees would once again be furloughed. Miracle Mile Deli is completely closed through June 30 while the others are closed for dine-in.

North Carolina

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Johnny Lukes Kitchen Bar, The Southerly Biscuit and Pie, Circa 1922, Bistro, The Dive in Carolina Beach along with Buzz’s Roost in Wilmington, N.C. have all temporarily closed for dine-in as a result of the recent spike in cases.

Copper Penny and Rx Restaurant and Bar have also closed for dine-in out of caution and employee safety according to Facebook posts from both restaurants.

South Carolina

Peter Unger / Stone

Nicky’s Pizzeria in Five Points closed for dine-in, according to a Facebook post, along with several other Five Points restaurants, out of fear for the safety of employees and customers, according to Live 5 News.