Illinois restaurants face big uncertainties and tough choices in coronavirus age
The roller-coaster experience of Taqueria Z perfectly illustrates the uncertainties and choices that Illinois restaurants have faced in recent weeks.
The small Mexican restaurant in downtown Edwardsville closed on March 17 under orders from Gov. J.B. Pritzker to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. It began filling takeout orders two days later and continued that for nearly three months.
The owners could have reopened their patio for outdoor dining in late May under the Restore Illinois recovery plan, but they decided to be extra cautious and wait another month. They didn’t reopen for indoor dining, which would have been allowed in late June.
“Our inside is so small, 25% capacity would probably be five people,” said co-manager Mike Zanger. “It’s not built for pandemics. We decided to just stick with outdoor dining so we could spread out and use the parking lot for seating and just use the inside for bathrooms and have people come in one at a time.”
That plan worked out well, and business was picking up. Then metro-east health departments began reporting increases in COVID-19 cases, and rumors were circulating about employees at other local restaurants testing positive.
On July 15, Taqueria Z reversed course after two weeks of outdoor dining.
“We’re just going to stick with takeout for now and be as responsible as possible,” Zanger said. “We’d love to be open, but we’re doing OK as it is with just takeout. We feel like it’s safer for us and safer for the customers, for the time being at least.”
Mike Zanger manages Taqueria Z with his brother, Zach Zanger, for their father, also Mike Zanger, who co-owns the restaurant with Zach Miller.
Some of their caution relates to the fact that the older Zanger was diagnosed with liver cancer about six years ago and underwent life-saving transplant surgery. Health experts warn that older people and those with underlying health conditions have a greater risk of becoming seriously ill with the coronavirus.
The younger Zanger doesn’t expect to lay off any of his 11 employees.
“I feel sorry (for other restaurants),” he said. “A lot of places can’t exist on takeout only, so the people who are opening up, I can’t really blame them for their decision-making.”
Most restaurants up and running
The rising number of COVID-19 cases in a newly designated metro-east region could force Madison, St. Clair and five other counties to revert back to Phase 3 under the Restore Illinois plan, re-closing restaurants to indoor dining.
But for now, the majority of local restaurants that can offer indoor dining, outdoor dining or both are doing so, albeit with lower capacities and other restrictions.
“People feel comfortable because we’re making sure we don’t break any rules,” said Mark Onstott, owner of Tavern on Main in Belleville. “No one can sit at either bar. We’re keeping our distance. (Employees) all take their temperatures when they get here. They’re wearing the masks, and they’re using the hand sanitizer.”
In late May, the restaurant expanded its outdoor seating, thanks to a city resolution that temporarily closed three downtown streets to help restaurants survive while indoor dining was still prohibited.
Tavern on Main reopened inside in late June with about 40% fewer tables than normal. But Onstott noticed that most people were still choosing to sit outside until recently, when summer heat and humidity got worse.
“It it’s real nice outside, all the tables fill up outside, and you have some people inside,” he said last week. “But now, we’re starting to have more of an inside crowd. When it cools off a little bit, it will be a good mix.”
Belleville City Council is considering action to extend downtown street closures until fall. The current resolution expires Aug. 30.
In the meantime, Onstott plans to continue welcoming back regulars and trying to rebuild his business in a strange new world.
“We’re doing good,” he said. “(The coronavirus) is always a concern, but we just have to do what we’ve gotta do. ... I don’t have much negative to say because we’re just happy to be where we are right now.”
Peel is upfront about positive case
Restaurants and other businesses aren’t required to reveal publicly that they have employees or customers with COVID-19, according to Melaney Arnold, spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
“Basically, local health department officials are going to follow up with any close contacts of a confirmed case,” she said.
However, Arnold noted that it’s a good idea for health departments or businesses to publicly announce cases if there are customers who were potentially exposed and who can’t be easily identified or reached.
The owners of Peel Wood Fired Pizza, which has locations in Edwardsville, O’Fallon and Clayton, Missouri, decided to be upfront and announce on Facebook July 17 that an employee in Edwardsville had tested positive for the coronavirus.
They closed the restaurant for lunch then reopened that evening and operated the rest of the weekend with outdoor dining only.
“The last time the individual (who tested positive) was in the building was Monday AM,” the Facebook post read. “All employees that were in close contact with the employee will not be working and will open this evening with reduced staff for curbside and outdoor seating only.
“We feel we have taken all safety precautions possible recommended by the CDC and going above and beyond to keep everyone safe. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate through these times.”
The Peel location in Edwardsville was closed again Monday and Tuesday due to limited staff and reopened Wednesday with indoor and outdoor dining, according to Facebook posts.
There is no rule that requires Illinois restaurants or other businesses to close for a certain amount of time after an employee or customer tests positive for the coronavirus, according to Arnold.
“They should work with the local health department to determine what needs to be done (with cleaning and other precautions),” she said.
This story was originally published July 24, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
