With yesterday’s reopening of certain Texas businesses, some Snyder restaurants have opted to re-open, but not without a few changes in protocols.
Only six people will be allowed at a table and parties will be seated at least six feet apart from each other. Disposable menus, condiments served only upon request and in single-use portions, buffets that aren’t self serve, and a hand sanitizing station at the restaurant entrance are now required. Non-medical face masks are encouraged for employees and customers, as is having an employee responsible for opening and closing the entrance door to limit customer contact with such a commonly used surface.
Although Scurry County has had fewer than five cases of COVID-19 and businesses are therefore allowed to open to 50 percent capacity, many have opted to stick to the 25 percent capacity that is required for counties that have had more positive tests for the virus.
“That’s what I heard you can do because we have less than five cases in town,” said Ponderosa Restaurant and Motel owner Luis Contreras. “But at least 25 percent is open.”
Contreras also said that he would like to encourage dine-in customers to bring their own face coverings or masks for an extra layer of protection.
Joni’s Cafe owner Joni Gonzalez said that she and her employees are taking all the precautions mandated by the governor and health inspector, and they would also continue offering delivery and curbside services for those who are uncomfortable with getting out just yet.
“When we get to open up 100 percent, we’re still going to do the curb service,” she said. “I think it’s pretty neat, especially for elderly people that get out but don’t want to come in and dine or get out of their car. It’s working out pretty well.”
For those who do wish to dine in, Joni’s Cafe is trying to stay at 25 percent capacity, but Gonzalez said that should they get busy, they are allowed to go up to 50 percent and would do so.
“I know they came in and did 160 tests,” she said. “Until we find those out, we’re trying to stick to 25 percent. It’s great that we haven’t had that many cases, but we don’t know yet if we’re going to have to go back down to 25 percent.”
The Butcher’s Block and Amore have also opened to 50 percent capacity and are abiding by social distancing guidelines.
Amore Manager Gianni Diaz said that he had employees wearing gloves at all times, sanitizing tables, chairs, menus and restrooms after every customer, and seating customers at tables six feet apart.
Diaz said that Amore was also looking into holding a prom for Scurry County seniors who wouldn’t otherwise get to go, and was in the process of working with the school districts to plan potential dates once social distancing guidelines are lifted.
“We’ll wait until we need to, but we’re happy to do that for our community,” he said.
“Hopefully, soon the governor will say that everything can go back to normal, but I think people will still take precautions.”