NewsCoronavirus

Actions

Restaurants open dining rooms for first time in nearly three months

Posted at 5:37 PM, May 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-22 17:44:03-04

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18 — Restaurants can now open to dine-in service after almost three months of strictly delivery and curbside services. However, they must be in compliance with the State's many requirements, shown in a nearly 6-page document.

The Health Department said it will be checking in on restaurants to ensure they are following the rules.

While dining rooms can open, the day wasn't as spectacular as some may have thought. For example, The Local Taco only served 10% of the amount of lunchtime customers they usually have. The turnout was especially disappointing considering the restaurant's grim financial situation.

Kevin Lewis said he has been losing $8,000 every week. The business is using its savings to stay afloat, but he questions how much longer it'll be able to stay open.

"Can we hold on for another month?" Lewis said. "Two months? Hopefully. As long as we can generate some money but sooner or later something is going to have to give."

The Bluegrass Hospitality Group had better luck today.

A spokeswoman said guests were waiting at the front doors of Malone's and Drake's in Landsdowne at 11 a.m. this morning. The number of guests that came in today versus the number they typically see for lunch is unknown.

Other restaurants have opted to stay closed and wait out the restrictions for a little longer.