Some local eateries reopen dine-in area

Local restaurants had mixed responses to the ability to reopen Monday, with some continuing to stay as to-go only and other opening their dine-in areas to the maximum 33 percent capacity.

Under Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s directive, restaurant employees have to wear gloves and a mask.

Houseworth Hotels and Restaurants general manager Abby Whitener stated that the Bistro 1121 and Perkins in Blytheville is open at 33 percent capacity. The fire code for Perkins allows for 173, meaning 57 people can be in the restaurant before it reaches the 33 percent capacity. The fire code for Bistro is 170, which means 56 can eat in there at one time.

Whitener said the staffs have moved tables around to ensure proper social distancing of at least six feet apart. For example, Perkins is using 14 of its 35 tables.

Both Perkins and Bistro have single use menus. They have also taken condiments off the table but will serve them after the customer orders.

Perkins adjusted its hours to 5:30 a.m. -2 p.m., with it closing from 2-4 p.m. to clean. It will then open from 4-10 p.m. Grecian in Blytheville also opened Monday and is following the guidelines from the governor.

Olympia opened as well. It can hold 109 people in the restaurant and up to 150 in the bar.

Olympia management noted it is offering the full menu and all employees are following guidelines with a mask and gloves.

Olympia’s business hours are from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. It is also still doing curbside pickup.

Not all restaurants are opening their dining area, however.

Las Brisas in Blytheville posted on social media, that while it could open Monday, “after reviewing and meditating we have decided to hold our (sic) opening... with the cases rising in the county we want to protect our staff and our costumers...we apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause, but remember that we still (offer) to-go orders... we will keep you informed on any changes.... please share to keep all updated... thank you and God bless you.”

Bigg Butts will continue carry-outs/window service at the Leachville location and run its mobile unit in Manila at the present time.

Owner Rodney Robertson said they can only have 33 percent capacity and have decided to not open in-dining until some of the restrictions can be lifted for the health and safety of their customers and their employees. Meanwhile, Smokestack BBQ in Manila is also continuing to offer drive-through and carry-out only.

Smokestack BBQ is located in the former TC Restaurant building at 717 North Boston Street. For more information or to place an order call (870) 561-8282. Owners Danny and Teresa Fleeman also own Pizza Inn in Blytheville and plan to re-open following renovations and when the guidelines are lifted.

1812 Pizza, Highway 18 Manila, will continue curbside pick-up and deliveries at the present time. For more information or to place an order call (870) 570-0202.

LaCascada Mexican Restaurant in Manila will continue to be open for drive-through service for the time being. For more information or to place an order call (870) 561-4771. They hope to be open for dine-in in the near future.

Subway in Manila and Monette opened Monday following the dine-in guidelines at 33 percent capacity and with customers and workers wearing masks. They will also have drive-through and online call-in available.