Smokey Bones, a bar and fire grill restaurant chain, plans to open three of its Georgia locations for in-person dining on Wednesday, the company announced Monday.
The restaurants in Peachtree City, Stonecrest and Columbus will be the first Smokey Bones locations in the country to reopen during the coronavirus pandemic. The chain has 60 eateries in 16 states.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp ordered that restaurants would be allowed to resume in-person dining on Monday if they follow a set of safety guidelines, though the majority of restaurant owners did not open their doors.
Smokey Bones said in a statement that it would follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines and “take all necessary precautions to serve guests while keeping them and employees safe.”
Tables will be spaced further apart and employees will wear masks and gloves, the company said. Guests will also be asked to wait outside or in their cars before being called to their tables, which will not have condiments on them.
The reopening allows Smokey Bones to begin recalling furloughed employees, but the company did not say how many people would go back to work.
“While the restaurant experience might be slightly different for a while, we want everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy the great Smokey Bones menu and hospitality they know and love,” CEO James O’Reilly said in a statement. “In addition, we are delighted to bring our team members back who elect to work.”
The locations will continue to offer takeout, delivery and curbside pick-up options. The chain’s fourth Georgia location, at the Mall of Georgia in Gwinnett County, is temporarily closed.
About the Author
