Local businesses take cautious approach in re-opening

Giovanni's Pizza, Pasta and More has re-opened for limited indoor dining. Other businesses are delaying their re-openings. File photo

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Some Menifee businesses re-opened quickly for expanded services following Friday’s announcement that Riverside County has been approved for accelerated Stage 2 opening in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Others have indicated they will take longer to study and implement the required precautions for employees and customers.

Either way, patrons will experience a different atmosphere inside local businesses.

The City of Menifee was officially notified by email by Suzanne Holland, director of Riverside County business and community services. According to the email, the following business sectors were allowed to begin re-opening:

-- Destination retail (retail stores), including shopping malls and swap meets

-- Dine-in restaurants (other amenities, like bars or gaming areas, are not permitted in Stage 2)

-- Schools with modifications

Local school districts have already indicated they will not re-open for instruction until August. Modifications for that instruction are still being determined. As for all re-openings, Holland added the following:

“It is important to note that public health is still a priority concern and businesses should utilize the State’s industry sector guidelines for Dine-In Restaurants and Shopping Centers along with Riverside County’s Safe Reopening Guidelines.”

Guidelines for dine-in restaurants including social distancing, employees wearing face coverings, customers wearing face coverings when not seated at a table, and special sanitation measures specified by the state.

According to state guidelines and County policy, the following must remain closed because the County has not yet been approved to enter Stage 3 of the recovery plan:

-- Nail and hair salons

-- Tattoo shops

-- Gyms

-- Community centers, including public pools and playgrounds

-- Nightclubs

-- Concert venues

-- Live audience sports

Giovanni’s Pizza, Pasta and More has been remodeling its restaurant during the closure, when it was allowed to serve only to-go meals. Owner Tom Powers said the restaurant opened for dining-in service on Saturday, with limited seating at tables spaced apart. Booths are being installed for a Grand Re-Opening later this week.

Jeffrey Katz, manager of Buffalo Wild Wings, made the following announcement on the Menifee 24/7 Facebook page about the business’ delayed re-opening:

“Buffalo Wild Wings will open in a few weeks for dine-in service. We are going to use this time to properly train our staff on the new guidelines and ensure we have the needed product and safety supplies available. We are open for takeout. You CAN enjoy your takeout on one of several patio tables. Bottled beer available. There will be no table side service, though.”

In addition, the City of Menifee is allowing restaurants to apply for temporary expansion for outdoor dining areas.

Residents are encouraged to call their favorite businesses or visit their social media platforms for the latest information on re-openings.