O’Fallon businesses, restaurants prepare to reopen in Phase 3 of COVID-19 plan
Business owner Whitney Leidner said they will be entering a new world when she reopens her hair salon Monday, June 1.
“At least we can open. I am thrilled,” she said.
When the rules and regulations were released Sunday, Leidner read all 20 pages of what needs to be done to reopen her Refinery Salon in downtown O’Fallon.
She has been closed since Sunday, March 22. Because they are salaried employees, her staff was able to receive unemployment benefits.
“That was a blessing,” she said.
Refinery Salon employs 16 people.
“Our clients have been really understanding and sweet. They’re more ready than we are, which is saying something, because we’re ready,” she said, noting they have two months’ worth of appointments to fit in, and limited in their capacity.
“If we can get people in, we will. Some clients don’t want to come in, and we understand,” she said.
She is moving forward with implementing what is required.
“We have to make our guests wait in their cars, not inside. We will take temperatures. We will take them to the bathroom to wash their hands,” Leidner said.
They will be minimizing “back and forth” in the salon, so everything will be in one place. There will not be a coffee bar or water cooler, or wrapped candies any more.
Every person must wear a mask.
“We can’t let you in if you don’t,” she said.
Stylists will be required to wear masks and face shields.
“It’s a new world we’re living in and all we can do is move forward and learn to be safe,” she said. “We’re all going to be learning new things. This might lead to new opportunities. But change is tough.”
As the reopening of businesses and restaurants begins this week in the region, O’Fallon is adapting to the new Phase 3 of the COVID-19 plan outlined in Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Restore Illinois Plan.
On Wednesday, May 20, Pritzker announced that all bars and restaurants could be open for outdoor service. To temporarily expand outdoor seating options in O’Fallon, the city has created a special event permit that includes use of parking lots, sidewalks, and streets.
Since local restaurants can reopen Friday, May 29, Mayor Herb Roach used his emergency powers for the permit because the city council won’t have the opportunity to vote until the next meeting June 1.
At its meeting Monday, May 26, the Community Development Committee unanimously voted to send the permit information for council consideration.
The city staff has been studying what other municipalities are doing, in addition to working with local businesses.
For restaurants in the downtown district, the permit is expected to close a portion of Second Street between Lincoln Avenue and Vine Street and Cherry Street between First Street and Second Street to traffic to allow for outdoor dining.
Businesses with dumpsters on Second Street near the closures will be relocating their dumpsters to an area closer to Lincoln or Vine to assist with trash pick-up.
The owners are also allowed to place a tent outside.
Alderman Matthew Gilreath wanted to make sure the tents are anchored well, noting a tragic accident a few years ago. In St. Louis in April 2012, a thunderstorm with winds up to 50 mph blew a bar’s tent down after a St. Louis Cardinals game, resulting in one death and five serious injuries.
Community Development Director Ted Shekell said the tents will be inspected.
Justin Randall, Community Development Assistant Director, said dining must be closed by 10 p.m. However, bars and restaurants can serve alcohol until the time limit on their liquor license. For instance, if their closing time is 1 a.m., that is what it will be during Phase 3. However, the bars can’t serve inside.
Mayor praises cooperation effort, as city works with local businesses
The mayor said the executive order was possible with the cooperation of the city staff, O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown District merchants.
“With the help of our city council, we are committed to helping and supporting all of our small businesses wherever possible during this pandemic,” Roach said. “Starting May 29, I encourage all of our residents that choose to eat out to make one of O’Fallon’s local restaurants your first choice,” he said.
The city staff has been studying what other municipalities are doing, in addition to working with local businesses.
For restaurants in the downtown district, the permit is expected to close a portion of Second Street between Lincoln Avenue and Vine Street and Cherry Street between First Street and Second Street to traffic to allow for outdoor dining.
Businesses with dumpsters on Second Street near the closures will be relocating their dumpsters to an area closer to Lincoln or Vine to assist with trash pick-up.
Guidelines and requirements for outdoor dining and the special event permit are found at https://www.ofallon.org/sites/ofallonil/files/uploads/temporary_outdoor_dining_regulations_for_restaurants_0.pdf.
Bars, restaurants must adhere to IDPH guidelines
All bars and restaurants must continue to follow all operating guidelines set forth by the Illinois Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state requires that tables must be 6 feet apart. Masks and distancing measures for staff must continue to be followed, as well as other precautions and guidance issued by the state.
The O’Fallon Department of Parks and Recreation has made the decision to keep operating the Drive-Thru Market instead of opening the Vine Street Market at the O’Fallon Station.
“The current Restore Illinois Phase that we are in does not allow us to service the community to the extent that a drive-thru market does. Even if we move to Phase 3 it still doesn’t look like it will be as beneficial as a drive-thru market, but, as we have done up to this point, we will evaluate the situation on a daily basis, weigh all the factors and make a decision about what the next step is,” Vine Street Market Coordinator Sarah Burton said.
However, in order to expand service, they are temporarily moving it to the O’Fallon Family Sports Park on Saturdays beginning May 30. The park, located at 301 Obernuefemann Road, will be from 10 a.m. to noon. People can pre-order from vendors and do pick-up, only now, vendors will be selling on site, and people can shop from their car. Drive-up coffee will be available too, Burton said.
“It is important to note that all shopping on-site will take place from your car by viewing a vendors menu. Customers are not allowed to leave their vehicles. We cannot operate this model smoothly and safely if people are parking and leaving their cars,” she said.
This website has a complete list of all the pre-order and shop on-site vendors https://ofallonstation.com/vendors-vine-street-market-drive-thru/
Phase 3 is recommended for four months, or until Phase 4 is ready in the southern region, whichever comes first. Phase 4 will allow the public to dine inside the buildings, but with restrictions. A restaurant’s occupancy will be greatly limited.
O’Fallon locations set Phase 3 plans
Some businesses have announced their Phase 3 plans.
On Friday, Sweet Katie Bee’s plans to reopen with outdoor seating but will still have curbside and delivery options.
“We will take orders online, over the phone and curbside. We’re honestly still planning and attempting to get everything operationally solid. We are also looking for more outdoor seating we can socially distance, as well as an outdoor hand washing station and good markers for everyone to easily maintain safe spacing. We will be practicing public health precautions to make sure we’re all safe,” Beth Hendrix said.
“Our dessert menu is pretty big still but we did pare down breakfast and lunch a bit,” she said.
Their menu is on their website. On Friday, May 29, and Saturday, May 30, they will have cupcakes, pastries, croissants, scones, cinnamon rolls, macarons, pies, tarts, plus gluten-free vegan blueberry muffins, gluten-free gooey butter cake and chocolate mousse are available. So is Keto cheesecakes, bars and fat bombs.
“We will be practicing public health precautions to make sure we’re all safe,” Hendrix said.
First Street Lounge is reopening Friday with patio dining, drinks and carryout.
Ellen Leaf-Moore said she will reopen Fezziwig’s Marketplace on Tuesday, June 2.
“Everyone must wear masks,” she said.
Three Sisters Crafts plans to open for walk-in business at noon Wednesday, June 3.
“I ask that you wear a mask. I will have hand sanitizer at the front door. Come say hi and stock up on supplies. Look forward to seeing you,” the owner wrote on Facebook.
Art Gecko Creative Studio said they were working on how they are going to open and get ready with safety precautions in place.
“We might go live so we can show parents what we are doing to make sure it is safe to return as well as keep everyone safe while they are at the studio,” they said.
They have been trying to stay busy making projects for the drive thru market as well as yard signs for birthdays or other events.
“Trying to find ways to stay afloat to pay bills and stay in business,” they said.
Additional business updates in O’Fallon
Mary Jo Guinn, co-owner of Parent-Teacher Tools and Toys, said they will open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, June 1, and be open Monday through Friday. They ask that people wear masks and visit their Crazy Aarons Sanitation Station before entering. Curbside pickup will still be available. Because of the government restrictions, only 10 people will be able to shop in the store at one time.
“However, if you have to wait, we will place copies of our catalog in front for you to peruse. We are forever indebted to our customers and the community for the support during the quarantine,” she said.
“We are stocking our store to the absolute rafters for you all. Whether you need summer learning, classroom decor, toys, games, puzzles or whatever- we are ready (curbside pickup) and will be ready (in-store shopping),” Guinn said.
Leidner said Refinery Salon has expanded their products available online. They are also going to virtual consulting, instead of customers coming in person to talk to a stylist.
“Businesses are all about maximizing the numbers, not minimizing, and that’s what we have to do,” Leidner said. “Businesses are going to be tested. It’s going to be make-it or break-it. Most haven’t been tested yet. This (pandemic) is not over by a long shot,” she said.
Looking toward the future
As part of the Downtown District Merchants leadership, Leidner said two of their biggest events — Founders Day in May and Summer Solstice — had to be canceled. Their fall plans may be in jeopardy as well.
But she hopes they can bounce back in 2021.
“And we’ll be really ready for it,” she said.
For restaurants, the temporary expansion of outdoor seating is recommended for a period of four months or the Southern Region moving to Phase 4 (open with restrictions), whichever comes first.
On Sunday, May 24, the governor released Phase 3 Guidance Documents for manufacturing, health and fitness centers, office space, personal care services, retail, outdoor recreation, service counters, day camps, youth sports, outdoor dining, tennis, boating and fishing.
For more information on specific guidelines, pre-opening checklist and other items from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, visit https://bit.ly/2TCijxW
This story was originally published May 26, 2020 at 11:20 AM.