Some Rochester businesses go to take-out only
Update: Gov. Tim Walz has ordered the temporary closure of all Minnesota restaurants, bars and other public gather places, effective Tuesday at 5 p.m.
A number of Rochester businesses have begun closing down public areas and switching to take-out only amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
The moves come amid rising fears over the spread of the novel coronavirus. On Monday afternoon, the Trump administration recommended that Americans avoid gatherings of 10 or more for the next 15 days.
Already, states including Ohio, Illinois, California and Massachusetts have taken the step of ordering the shutdown of bars and restaurants. While Minnesota has not yet followed suit, Gov. Tim Walz said Sunday it “may become an option.” The governor has scheduled a news conference for 5 p.m. today to discuss ongoing measures to curb the spread of the virus.
Businesses take precautions
The owner of both Rochester’s Potbelly Sandwich Shops announced the decision Monday to suspend in-shop dining for the time being. The shops will remain open for pick-up, to-go, and delivery orders only.
Erin Nystrom, owner of the two locations, said as difficult as the decision was, it was made easier by considering the impacts the move could have on the safety of customers, employees, and the community at-large.
“We’ll weather this,” said Nystrom, adding she is grateful to still be open, even if in a limited capacity. “It won’t be easy, but there’s solidarity and support in this amazing community, and with that we’ll all make it to the other side.”
Other businesses, including Old Abe Coffee Co. and Little Thistle Brewing, have also announced they are temporarily discontinuing table seating. (On the national level, Starbucks and Chick-fil-A have done the same.)
Like with Potbelly’s, both Old Abe and Little Thistle will continue to offer their products for consumption off-site. Writing on Facebook, the owners of Little Thistle even said they would even bring beer (along with curbside wipes) directly to your car if you call ahead with an order.
“Continued support by purchasing beer to-go from our taproom will help us stay afloat until things go back to a new normal,” the business said.
Meantime, several other local organizations — including the Rochester Art Center, Rochester Athletic Club, and Rochester 2228 Eagles Club — have announced they would be closing at least for the next couple of weeks. That is on top of a number of other impending closures, including Rochester Public Schools and the Rochester Public Library.
“The Rochester Eagles Club has historically been about ‘people helping people’ and we feel this is the best approach for us to protect and help the local community during this time of unprecedented health uncertainty,” the organization said in a written statement. “We hope that other establishments follow our lead to protect our community.”
Sean Baker is a Rochester journalist and the founder of Med City Beat.
