This week, restaurants figured out how to proceed as restrictions lift and dine-in opens across many states.
Some began to close in states where surges in cases of coronavirus have spiked again. Across Texas, Florida and Arizona, some of the first states to reopen, restaurants were forced to shut down amid employee COVID-19 positive test results. These restaurants had to perform deep-cleans and test all employees. This was the same procedure if a customer tested positive for the virus or an employee was in close contact with someone who tested positive. Many patrons at newly opened bars and restaurants have refrained from wearing masks.
Olivia, a restaurant in Denver, took reopening to a more advanced level. Rather than opening as normal, the restaurant pared down the menu, introduced dynamic pricing and eliminated tipping to make it easier and safer for both customers and staff.
While a judge in Illinois ruled that a Chicago restaurant didn't have to pay full rent during the coronavirus pandemic. This is the first of the liability suits from restaurateurs to get its day in court. The judge declared that coronavirus closures were considered an "Act of God" and must be covered by the contract the restaurant signed with its landlord. No word yet on the status of insurance lawsuits filed by Thomas Keller and many others.
See what else was trending this week on Restaurant Hospitality.
