Metro restaurant, salon owners have mixed emotions about reopening

ATLANTA — Local restaurants could begin reopening for in-person dining on Monday amid the coronavirus pandemic.

But some owners told Channel 2 Action News they won’t take the risk.

One restaurant owner who does not want to open told Channel 2’s Tom Jones that he’s now facing pressure from their lenders and landlords to open up so they can be paid.

“Monday is just too soon. It's just too soon,” said Terry Clark, owner of Suite Food Lounge.

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Clark said he believes the coronavirus is still a threat.

“It's turning the corner. We only need a couple of more weeks, in my opinion. There's no rush,” Clark said.

The owner of Star Café, Danny Hamilton, said his restaurant will open for dine-in customers.

“We're going to do to-go or sit down. Separate everybody a little bit. Do what the governor said, you know?” Hamilton said.

The restaurant owner said he refuses to second-guess the governor.

“I mean, I'm not the guy who says he's opening too soon,” Hamilton said.

Gov. Brian Kemp announced while restaurants can accept dine in customers Monday, they still must practice social distancing and implement other virus fighting measures.

Star Cafe customers applaud the decision.

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“I don't think it's too soon. No. I think it's about right on time,” one customer told Jones.

But another pizza customer said she won't be dining out Monday.

“We need to focus on saving lives and getting this thing behind us,” that customer said.

One restaurant who does not want to reopen told Jones that small business are already getting pressure from their lenders and landlords to open Monday.

Many of them have not gotten the payroll protection program loans they applied for.

“So now you're telling us we can reopen, we haven't gotten the money and our bills are going to start again.

Jones called several small businesses around the metro area on Tuesday. Most said they would not open Monday and a few said they were still mulling it over.

Other businesses ramping up to reopen are salons and barber shops. They are allowed to reopen on Friday.

With reopening comes a lot of responsibility for staff and their clients.

“Last night was the worst night of sleep that I’ve had since all of this started because of the pressure,” said John Douglas III, owner of Fadeologist barber shop in Lawrenceville.

Douglas’ shop was set to open May 1 after the shelter in place expires. But that changed on Monday after Kemp made his announcement.

“My online booking service just started going off,” Douglas said.

He told Channel 2’s Wendy Corona that he adjusted the plan to open at the end of the week.

“I was excited, but then I had to just sit back, calm down, relax and just realize it’s probably not the right time,” Douglas said.

“Does the benefit outweigh the risk in opening up?” is the question Berni Leonard is asking.

Leonard and her daughter, Jacque, own the salon, Berni Inc. in Cumming. Leonard said she will wait for Georgia to reach key targets before reopening.

“We have to look at the 14 days moving forward, making sure that the curve doesn’t go back up again,” Leonard said.

Fadeologist has switched to virtual haircuts. Barbers offer their guidance remotely to help people get by in the meantime.

Douglas and Leonard told Corona that they are grateful for their staff and clients support of their decision.

“Trust me. We all need the money, but God will provide,” Douglas said.

Both owners were very concerned about client safety, having the protective gear, masks, gloves, sanitizer and disposable drapes before opening up.

They told Corona that customers can expect when they do open it will be a slow roll by appointment, no waiting in the lobby and several chairs between clients.

Some local restaurants say they won't take the risk to reopen Other restaurant owners said they are eager to get back to business -- with some precautions.

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