Kentucky restaurant owners face new problem when they reopen: capacity restrictions
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky restaurants are allowed to reopen soon, but dining rooms won't be full.
Gov. Andy Beshear said they can open for indoor seating on May 22 at 33% capacity and "unlimited outdoor seating" as long as social distancing guidelines are followed.
Two months ago, the pandemic forced restaurant owners to make a choice: close or reinvent themselves overnight going from dine-in to take-out only.
“I think that we're in a pretty difficult position,” Bourbon’s Bistro owner Jason Brauner said.
“It's definitely been challenging,” added Jared Matthews, owner of Equus Jacks Restaurant / Lounge.
Many restaurant owners said reopening, even at 33%, is a welcomed sight. But they’re wondering how long they’ll be able to last without a full dining room, saying 33% capacity isn’t sustainable.
“I think for a lot of restaurants, it's not going to work. The numbers just don't work,” Brauner said. “I think we could make it maybe two months? It depends on what the response is from our customers.”