Chase Gibb, owner of the Buffalo Tavern and Coal Haus 337 in Burlington and Buffalo 61 Bar and Grille in Fort Madison, said he saw this coming. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker closed Illinois bars and restaurants this week to restrict the spread of coronavirus, and he believed Iowa would follow suit.
‘I’ve had a plan in place for the last three days,” Gibb said in an interview with The Burlington Beacon on Tuesday morning.
However, he still didn’t expect to close the dine-in portions of his three restaurants on a two-hour notice today (Tuesday, March 17). The state closure order applies to a variety of businesses and institutions, including Catfish Bend Casino, the Burlington Public Library and Steamboat Senior Center.
Retail businesses and gas stations, among others, are not yet affected by mandated closures. Jeff Abell, the owner of B-Town Comics and Games, said his business was busy with customers looking for a distraction.
"We've been extremely busy today. People are looking for something to read or a new game to play. We plan on staying open and it's business as usual," Abell said. "These closures have all small businesses worried because we can't absorb a prolonged financial hit like the big box stores."
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the closure mandate at about 10 a.m. today (March 17), ordering businesses to close by noon. Some still had customers inside who were forced to leave.
“She (Reynolds) lost my vote,” Gibb said.
Gibb understands the safety precaution — he just wishes the decision had been made the night before. He purchased 600 pounds corn beef for tonight’s canceled St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Since the mandate still allows for food pick-up and delivery, all of Gibb’s restaurants will stay partially open. He’s even offering $10 discounts on orders $50 or more, orders of $75 or more will be delivered within a 10-mile radius of the dine-in locations.
Regardless of deliveries and pick-ups, business will be greatly reduced, and Gibb had to lay off 80 percent of his staff to compensate. Despite having recently purchased the old Sarducci’s buildings to turn into Coal Hause 337, Gibb said he should be able to weather the financial storm.
But a lot of restaurants — especially new ones or those already facing financial hardship — won’t be as fortunate. Gibb said many restaurants survive week-to-week, some barely staying afloat.
“You will see places going under because of this,” Gibb said.
Like most Americans, Gibb can’t quite wrap his head around the financial devastation the coronavirus will leave in its path.
He’s too busy coming up with creative ways to serve his customers — without breaking social distancing rules, of course.
“I have a portable woodfire oven, and it can cook a pizza in 60 seconds, and we are planning on setting up in the parking lot (of Coal Haus 337) in a few days so people can order pizza from us and go on their way,” he said.
Still Popping
Westland Theatre in West Burlington is closed due to the mandate, but Big River Popcorn located inside Westland Mall is still. Unless there is a state mandate, owners Greg and Cody Flietner said it will stay that way.
“We wanted to let you know that Big River Popcorn (thankfully) does not fall under this restriction. We will still resume normal business hours until further notice,” the Flietners said via Facebook.
The Flietners also called on locals to do everything they can to patronize local restaurants, suggesting remote dining and generous tips for service employees.
“We will get through this together and only together we will see the other side of this. Peace and love be with you all!” the Flietners said in the post.
Photos by Anthony Dewitt
A sign at Orange Ember in downtown Burlington. notifies customers of its closure to comply with a state-mandated two-week shutdown of some businesses and institutions, including Catfish Bend Casino, the Burlington Public Library and Steamboat Senior Center.