Gov. Mike DeWine and state health officials have not yet set a timeline for restaurants and pubs to reopen for dine-in services, and the governor announced Tuesday he is setting up a panel of restaurant owners and health experts to explore how to reopen safely as the state reopens its economy during the coronavirus pandemic.
>> ALSO NEW TODAY: Election highlights: Everything you need to know about Tuesday's election
But local dining establishments that have been shuttered for weeks are anxious to at least reopen their kitchens for carryout service, as a dress rehearsal of sorts for a broader reopening and to generate at least some income for themselves and their employees.
>> New Indian restaurant coming to downtown Dayton, eventually
Here’s the latest:
China Cottage: "We are pleased to announce that all four locations will be reopening for take-out service on Friday, May 1," Tiger Wang, CEO of the local Chinese restaurant chain, told this news outlet Tuesday night. China Cottage operates locations in Kettering, Centerville/Washington Twp., Trotwood and Springboro.
>> LATEST NEWS: Advisory groups to look at reopening restaurants, hair salons safely
“All of our staff members have been trained in the proper procedures of handling daily operations to minimize the spread,” Wang said. “We take the cleanliness of all locations very seriously and have deep-cleaned and sanitized thoroughly. The safety and well-being of staff and clientele are of paramount importance. Therefore, our staff will exercise daily best practices to ensure a clean and safe environment.”
Customers should call their nearest China Cottage location directly to place take-out orders, Wang said.
>> Restaurants, employees turn to GoFundMe for economic survival
Corner Kitchen: The restaurant at the corner of Wayne Avenue and East Fifth Street announced on its Facebook page overnight that it will start offering carryout on Mother's Day, May 10. A Mother's Day menu and pre-order link will go live later this week, the restaurant's owners said.
>> CBCB Bar & Grill has new owner; menu to expand (October 2019)
CBCB Grill: The restaurant at 2495 Commons Blvd. in Beavercreek will open Friday, May 1 to offer carryout and curbside pickup, according to owner Michelle Brad, who purchased the restaurant in the fall of 2019. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday.
CBCB will be serving its regular menu plus some family-style meals that serve four for $24.99. Carryout drinks and growlers of domestic beer and craft beers also will be available, Brad said.
Orders can be placed at www.cbcbbarandgrill.com or by calling 937-426-3287.
“When ordering by phone, please let us know if you will be coming into the restaurant for pickup, or if you want us to provide curbside service. If you are doing curbside, let us know the make and model of your car. We will bring the order out to you, and we will also put your order in the trunk of your car if you prefer a totally contactless transaction,” Brad said on the restaurant’s web site.
BIBIBOP Asian Grill: Bibibop announced Tuesday it will reopen 25 locations in Ohio, including those in southwest Ohio, on Monday, May 4.
>> RELATED: Here’s what DeWine’s plan to reopen Ohio says, what businesses must do
“We’re excited to prepare for the thoughtful reopening of BIBIBOP,” Charley Shin, CEO of the Columbus-based restaurant chain, said in a release. The chain operates a restaurant on Brown Street near the University of Dayton, and is planning one in the Cornerstone of Centerville.
“We have been planning for this day since we closed stores, and while things will look a little different in your local BIBIBOP, the friendly people who really care and our healthy and affordable Asian food will still be the same,” Shin said.
>> PREVIOUS UPDATE: 2 more local restaurants to reopen, one in Kettering, the other in Centerville
To protect the well-being of guests and employees, BIBIBOP has developed procedures that follow state and national guidelines for social distancing. Employees will wear masks and gloves while keeping contact to a minimum, BIBIBOP officials said.
>> Bill’s Donut Shop to reopen Sunday for carry-out
Bill's Donut Shop: Owners of the Centerville doughnut shop, closed since March 16, announced on social media Tuesday that it will reopen at 3 p.m. Sunday for carryout orders. All customers will be required to wear a face mask, and social distancing will be in place, the shop's owners announced. Bill's is located at 268 N. Main St.
***UPDATE (noon Wednesday, April 29)***
Mike's Nashville Hot Chicken: The restaurant at 10655 Innovation Drive in Austin Landing in Miami Twp. will open Friday, May 1 for carryout and delivery. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Orders can be placed online at mikesnashvillehot.com or by phone at 937-247-0196.
About the Author