What is it going to look like on Friday ? maybe more of the same but definitely not normal

?

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on Monday that on Friday, May 1, 2020, restaurants, stores, theaters, museums and libraries could reopen at 25% occupancy if they ensured social distancing. {{more:? continue …}}

?

It will be the first step in his three-part plan to reopen the state in a socially responsible way and as an economic necessity.

?

Permission doesn?t mean it is all a go ? many questions remain ?

?

For businesses, restaurants and other venues it is a roll of the dice. Will customers actually show up? How will they react to waiting in lines just enter their business? Will I, as the owner, be responsible for seeing those that are waiting are practicing social distancing? How much staff do I need and can afford? Will my staff be willing to work?

?

Those of the general public that feel comfortable in venturing out in the teeth of the still rising numbers growing number of cases in Tarrant County, are going to have to plan ahead. Most important is verifying if their destination will actually be open and if so what are the hours.

?

Restaurants are proceeding with caution …

?

Opening with just a 25% occupancy works for off hours but for the rush hours of lunch and dinner it is highly questionable. For most restaurants this is the time that covers the cost of remaining open for the rest of the day.

?

Customers should expect some restaurants to open with shorten hours. Customers may want to avoid the normal hours for lunch and dinner and plan to go other time of the day to avoid from being turned away. In short, call or check on line to see if your favorite is going to be open this weekend and if they are, what are the hour and will they be taking reservations.

?

Going to the movies – maybe not …

?

Cinemark is not planning to reopen until mid-summer. AMC had no plans at this time to reopen any of their theaters. The same goes for Marcus Theaters which operates Movie Taverns. Ditto for Regal (Untied Artists) and Alamo Draft House.

?

?I applaud states and municipalities that are letting businesses use proper judgment and support their clientele, said Studio Movie Grill CEO Brian Schultz in a recent announcement. But he isn?t ready to open his theaters just yet in the midst of the pandemic.

?

Schultz, a Dallas, Texas resident who opened his first Studio Movie Grill in 2000 now has 34 theaters in 10 states, all currently closed.

?

Austin-based Alamo Drafthouse said in a tweet the training and preparation to reopen safely would be extensive, and the chain had no plans to reopen in Texas.

?

Malls are open …?

?

Yes, Hulen Mall in Fort Worth, the Parks Mall in Arlington have announced that they will be open on Friday.? Northeast Mall in Hurst and Grapevine Mills in Grapevine are also planning to reopen.

?

Hours will be limited to 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.? The hours will allow for extensive overnight cleaning.?

?

New health and safety measures will go into effect such as hand-santizing stations, touch-free interactions, frequent and intense cleanings and social distancing directions. There be no seating available in the food courts area.? Those offering food will do only as take-out.?

?

Want to visit a museum just to get out of the house ? nada

?

None of the larger more well-known museums have posted opening hours in Fort Worth, Dallas or Mansfield or seem to have any plans in the near future. Again, check before going.

?

Libraries – maybe …?

?

Kennedale Library just announced that it remain closed at least until May 17. Fort Worth libraries have post on their website that they are closed until further notice. Arlington has not made an official announcement other to say they will be closed through April 30 and that they will align with the City of Arlington guidelines.? With that said, again call before you go.

?

Maybe the best bet ? small businesses ?

?

These are in need of business and support.?