Last week, the Solano County Department of Public Health provided the guidelines for restaurants to reopen the sit-down service based on the guidelines input from the CDC, Cal-OSHA, and Solano County. Restaurant owners are permitted to interpret them and implement changes as appropriate for each location.
In Rio Vista, Foster’s Bighorn and HWY 12 Diner, two popular restaurants, will open this Wednesday, June 3. “After sorting through the regulations, listening to staff members, addressing their concerns, and getting food and liquor purveyors to deliver, we are finally ready to open,” said owner, Howard Lamothe. “There is no new normal,” said MaryEllen Lamothe, “because every day there are new challenges, but we are thrilled to be opening up again”.
For instance, beer suppliers do not have inventory because it takes time to make beer. And then there are the customers. Will they come back, and in what numbers? Despite the uncertainty, restaurants are reopening with safety as the priority and hope to make ends meet as a close second. As people now have a place to meet and enjoy the fun of dining out again, here is what to expect.
Foster’s Bighorn and HWY 12 Diner have posted these guidelines:
- Groups of diners will be seated at least six feet apart.
- Customers are not required to wear a mask when seated
- Alcohol can be served only when food is ordered. (a state mandate)
- Wait staff will wear a mask when taking orders and serving food.
- Condiments are brought upon request and are cleaned after every use
- All surfaces of common use, tables, chairs will be disinfected after every use.
If people have any symptoms or are too wary of the public and employees, they should not come in. Health professionals around the State and county will be keeping a close eye on the number of COVID-19 cases reported and if there is a spike in new cases, restaurants could be forced to return to curbside pickup and delivery. Visit www.fosterbighorn.com for the latest information and updates. In a partnership with Rio Fast Delivery, HWY 12 Diner began delivery and curbside pick up in April.
The partnership was a hit with customers and Foster’s will offer delivery as well, starting next week. Customers interested in delivery can go to Foster’s website or www.riofastdelivery. com to put in their orders.
“We look forward to seeing old friends and new,” said MaryEllen Lamothe. “Come see us!”
