Restaurants, businesses, churches in flux as some restrictions are lifted

Hampton organizations and businesses responded to Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ move to reopen a portion of Iowa’s industries last week.

Last Monday, Reynolds announced that churches, restaurants, libraries, fitness centers and retailers in 77 counties where COVID-19 cases are low were allowed to open their doors for the public once again beginning May 1. In most instances, businesses were required to limit patrons to half the legal capacity of the building.

Some of Hampton’s restaurants saw this as an opportunity to once again welcome customers for dine in service. Nancy Knipfel, Willie’s Sports Bar and Grill, said Willie’s will allow customers to eat in the restaurant. She said staff will operate under guidelines issued by Reynolds and the State of Iowa. Tables will be moved to accommodate guidelines that tables must be six feet apart and no more than six patrons can sit at a table. She said staff will continue to follow enhanced sanitation procedures. For those who do not want to dine in, carry out will still be offered.

Knipfel said they are taking extraordinary precautions while readying the restaurant and will approach each customer with added care and caution.

“We don’t know what to expect at this time, but we are going to go ahead and proceed as planned and hope it works out with dine-in,” she said, adding the restaurant, however, is excited to once again offer dine-in service. “We are excited to see people and are thankful for what we’ve got.”

Godfather’s Pizza, too, will offer dine-in. Owner Sheryl Schumann said their location is large enough to accommodate a decent size crowd without breaking social distancing guidelines. Tables will be marked off to allow proper spacing and parties will be limited to six or fewer people and staff will wear gloves and conduct sanitization procedures at tables. She said the buffet, salad bar and self service soda machine will be off limits to customers.

“There will definitely be a learning curve,” said Schumann. “We are stressing that we will do the best we can. If you want to get out and enjoy some social distancing socialization, we welcome you and will do what we can to make your visit here as safe as we can.”

La Chozita Antojitos Mexicanos and Mariscos has opened to seating as well.

Other restaurants are choosing to remain closed to dine-in traffic. Joel Heuer, owner of Rustic Brew, said that while option was there, he and the staff felt it was best to continue to operate under take out only as cases in Iowa continue to rise.

“We want to make sure our customers and employees are safe. We haven’t reached our peak yet,” he said. “There is still the concern of travel from counties that are restricted. We have to be careful. We don’t feel comfortable with it. We appreciate our loyal customers and want to open as soon as possible.”

Restaurant La Amigita early last week announced intentions to allow dine-in customers but asked for feedback if people would utilize the dine-in service. After an overwhelming majority of responders said they would not dine-in, the restaurant decided to remain at carry-out and delivery only.

La Frontera will also remain closed to dine in seating but will continue to offer take out and delivery.

Aside from restaurants, other organizations allowed to reopen elected to remain closed to the general public. The Franklin Wellness Center Board of Directors announced that the Wellness Center will not open on May 1 but the decision will be reevaluated on May 15. The board in a release stated that the facility is currently being deep cleaned and sanitized and other safety measures are being put in place for eventual reopening.

Most, if not all, churches in Hampton, as well, elected not to conduct public services and will continue to operate with digital services.

City parks in Hampton, including the basketball courts, playground equipment, skate parks and enclosed shelters remain off limits to the public as well, although the tennis courts at Progress Park can be used.

City officials are currently in discussions regarding the Hampton Public Library, City Hall and the Hampton Aquatic Center. As of now, the library and city hall remain closed to the public. City Manager Ron Dunt said officials are working through what a reopening plan would look like, as well as attempting to anticipate what could change locally with the virus.

Editor’s note: This story was finalized for publication on Monday morning. Information in this article may be out of date when the issue is released on Wednesday.