Wichita restaurant that opened 3 weeks ago the latest to close after COVID-19 exposure

It’s been open for only three weeks, but now, Wichita’s Pizza Ranch at 2121 N. Tyler has closed voluntarily after a couple of staff members were exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

The closing happened on Monday, said general manager Donnie Bean. The restaurant posted the news on its front door.

“We don’t think that any of our team has been infected,” Bean said. “We decided to do this just out of precaution and for the safety of everyone.”

Pizza Ranch, which includes a pizza and chicken buffet and an adjoining arcade, opened for business on June 29.

After staff members who came into the contact with the exposed employees have been tested for COVID-19, the restaurant will reopen, Bean said, although he doesn’t know exactly what a reopening will look like.

“We have talked about re-evaluating everything,” he said, adding that the restaurant has been requiring masks and gloves of its employees.

Pizza Ranch is the latest in a long string of Wichita restaurants and businesses that have voluntarily closed since early June after staff members were either exposed or tested positive.

We’re keeping a running list on the Dining with Denise Facebook page, including reopening dates.

This story was originally published July 20, 2020 at 2:28 PM.

Denise Neil

The Wichita Eagle

316-268-6327

Denise Neil has covered restaurants and entertainment since 1997. Her Dining with Denise Facebook page is the go-to place for diners to get information about local restaurants. She’s a regular judge at local food competitions and speaks to groups all over Wichita about dining.