Opinions and strategies amongst local restaurants are mixed following action by Lyon County Commissioners last week that altered the county’s mask mandate to a “strong recommendation.”
At Bobby D’s Merchant Street BBQ, owner Bobby Doudican says they will continue to “strongly request” mask use and social distancing within the establishment. Doudican says they want everyone to feel welcome inside the business, but they also want to ensure that all customers and staff are as safe as possible.
Do B’s is taking a slightly different approach according to owner Darren Bontrager. Bontrager says he is a believer in personal choice and guidelines inside the restaurant reflect that mentality as Bontrager says they are relaxing their requirements at this time.
Do B’s dining room reopened Monday and Bontrager says he was surprised to see the majority of their customers chose to continue wearing masks and observe social distancing.
Bontrager stated that he felt the county and city both made the responsible decision regarding mandates based on current COVID trends. However; not everyone shares that opinion as Granada Coffee Company Manager Bev Beers stated that she was very disappointed with the county’s decision last Thursday as it places all of the responsibility on the shoulders of local business owners.
She tells KVOE News they are still requiring masks be worn inside the establishment due to its size, however, they do not have “the skills” at their fingertips to enforce their guidelines.
Beers went on to say that she feels the county and city’s actions in recent weeks have created a battle that most small businesses are not prepared to fight.
KVOE will continue its series of updates on local business plans for COVID strategies throughout the week. Wednesday will highlight specialty shops, Thursday’s focus will be large-scale retail and Friday’s focus will highlight entertainment venues.
