LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) - — Great Bagel & Bakery is joining restaurants across Kentucky in reopening to in-person dining after two months of being closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Restaurants must adhere to state guidelines in order to reopen. In order to meet those, Great Bagel & Bakery has spaced tables six feet apart indoors and added outside seating. There are also stickers on the floor and signs on the walls reminding customers to maintain their distance from others.
“I think that it’s a good environment. I think that we’ve got sanitizer and we’ve got everything we need to get everybody so they can be safe,” said owner Robert Swan.
Tables have been removed from a section of the dining room to create a space where people can wait for their food to be prepared. Spots have been marked with tape to indicate where people should sit or stand in order to remain six feet apart.
“We don’t want it to be too crowded. We want people to feel safe,” said Kristy Maggard, a consultant for the restaurant.
Employees will wear face masks and gloves at all times. There will also be an employee designated to helping enforce new guidelines during peak business hours.
“We’re doing the best we can. We’re trying to keep positive and show up every day,” said Swan.
Customers will also be asked to respect and follow new guidelines. Those are posted around the dining room and read:
- 6 foot rule always applies - Try to maintain a distance of 6ft between yourself and others at all times
- Masks - For the safety of others, and yourself, please wear a mask at all times except while you are seated and eating/drinking. If for ANY reason, you need to hop out of your seat (to grab your food, etc.) please first put your mask on!
- Hand sanitizer - For your convenience, we’ve stocked the dining room with several jugs of hand sanitizer. Please make frequent use of it, before and immediately after your meal.
- Patience is a virtue - Team GB&B is thrilled to once again serve you in our dining room. We ask that you please exercise patience and understanding while we comply with the ever-changing safety standards issued by state authorities.
“We’re asking people be patient with us. This is the first time we’ve been in this situation and if we need to pivot, that’s what we’re doing as business owners,” said Maggard.
Great Bagel & Bakery will not reopen their Woodford Avenue location at this time. The Boston Road location will open Friday at 8 a.m.
Curbside pick-up will continue to be available and deliveries can be placed through DoorDash. You can place your order online or call the restaurant at 859-258-2210.
