A number of Wichita restaurants reconsider plans in light of rising COVID-19 cases
Wichita restaurants started reopening in early May when all the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were lifted.
But since then, cases have surged locally, and many restaurateurs are rethinking their plans.
Over the past week or so — as several restaurants have closed after COVID-19 exposure among staff members — others have been making adjustments and discontinuing dine-in, delaying reopening plans or re-closing the doors.
Here’s a roundup of the latest:
Closing again
Side Pockets, 600 S. Tyler: Owners of this popular west side pool hall, bar and restaurant decided late last week to close again “until further notice.” The rise of COVID-19 cases in Wichita, plus the fact that “our team has been placed in the difficult position of having to enforce the wearing of masks in our establishment,” are the main reasons, according to a Facebook post.
Ceasing dine-in service
El Ricardo’s Mexican Food, 503 N. West St.: This restaurant has decided to close its lobby again “as the number of positive cases continues to rise and in an effort to be able to remain open.” The lobby will stay closed until cases in the area stop rising, a Facebook post late last week said.
Knollas Pizza: The restaurants at 7343 W. Central and 4041 N. Maize Road discontinued dine-in service on Friday becase of the “increase in Kansas COVID-19 cases.” They’re still offering curbside, take out and third-party delivery.
Nortons Brewing Company, 125 N. St. Francis: No one at Nortons has tested positive for the virus, owners said in a recent Facebook post, but they are concerned about the growing cases in the county and have decided to “pump the brakes for a sec to ensure our staff remains healthy and safe.” They’ve closed the dining room and kitchen for now, though the beer garden is still open for beer and cocktails and the website is set up for online beer ordering and curbside pickup at nortonsbrewing.com. Beer garden hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 3 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 3 to 9 p.m. Sundays.
Broadway Burgers & BBQ, 1659 S. Broadway: This restaurant was set to reopen its dining room after July 4. But with cases on the rise, the owners have decided to wait. Their drive-through remains open until 9 p.m.
Delaying reopening
Central Standard Brewing, 156 S. Greenwood: This brewery, with its retractable garage doors and big patio, is one of Wichita’s favorite hangouts during normal times. The taproom has been closed since the pandemic started, though the brewery has continued with curbside beer service. Though they’d been planning to reopen this month, the owners said recently on Facebook that they’ll be sticking with curbside for now. “We miss you all so much and know we’ll open eventually,” it read.
Old Tokyo Steakhouse, 6821 W. Taft: This restaurant was planning to reopen soon but its owners have decided to keep it closed for now. “We are very concerned about the rapidly increasing cases of COVID-19 during this time,” read a Facebook post.
Closed because of COVID-exposure
I’m maintaining a list of restaurants that have announced closures because of COVID-19 exposure and updating it when they reopen. You can find it here. In the meantime, here are three that were added late last week and over the weekend.
Baskin Robbins/Nestle Tollhouse, 8919 W. 21st St.: This ice cream and cookie shop recently closed after an employee was exposed to COVID-19, according to a sign posted on the door.
Tacos tj 664, 803 N. West St: This restaurant closed on Friday after an employee tested positive for COVID-19, it announced on Facebook. Owners hope to reopen by Thursday.
New Neighbors, 2315 W. 21st St.: This restaurant announced on July 8 that it would be closing for two weeks after a “possible exposure to COVID-19.”
This story was originally published July 14, 2020 at 11:01 AM.
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