THOMASVILLE — Some local restaurateurs are eager to reopen dining rooms next week. Others not so much.

Henderson’s owner Richard Henderson will continue take-out and curbside service until May 1, when the dining room will reopen.

“We’re doing just as much business as usual with take-out and curbside,” Henderson said.

The restaurant owner said practicing social distancing is crucial to avoid spread of the coronavirus.

“Ninety percent of the problem is distancing,” Henderson said.

Henderson said he does not know when the catering arm of Henderson’s will reopen.

Rhonda Foster, co-owner of Liam’s Restaurant Lounge & Cheese Shoppe, said state guidelines haven’t been set.

Foster said guidelines might require servers to wear masks and gloves, one-time-use menus and disposable flatware and plates. Another possibility, she said, is having to take customers’ temperature.

“And we have to remove half of our tables and chairs,” Foster said.

The business will incur more costs if not fully operational, she said.

While gathering other restaurant owners’ opinions, Foster said her business will continue to provide to-go and curbside service.

Fallin’s BBQ owner Jonathan Fallin has not decided whether to reopen his restaurant Monday, the date the governor said Georgia eateries may reopen.

“I’m leaning toward no,” Fallin said, adding that he wants to protect his employees and customers from the deadly virus. “I don’t think we’re ready to open inside. I lean toward health professionals and not politicians to tell me what to do.”

Danilo Pistelli, owner of Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant, met with family members and up-front staff.

“We decided to wait a couple of weeks,” Pistelli said. “They are too many criteria.”

He said the governor should put reopening rules on paper so the requirements could be posted on the front doors of restaurants for diners to see.

Saying he must protect employees and customers, Pistelli questioned whether a diner would be comfortable sitting next to someone sneezing.

He prefers to sacrifice revenue than to make a mistake by opening too soon.

“We need to side with caution than side with greed,” Pistelli said. “Greed will bury you. Caution will save you.”

Thomasville City Council member David Hufstetler said residents should follow the governor’s lead, adding that Gov. Brian Kemp has experts in all areas at his disposal.

“Right now, I put my faith in the governor,” Hufstetler said.

George Mathes said George & Louie’s will reopen.

“We’ve been waiting to hear that news, for him to give us the go-ahead,” Mathes said.

The restaurant’s indoor dining tables will be placed six to nine feet apart.

“Things are going good for us,” Mathes said. “We’re very pleased. We’re looking forward to having people in the dining room.” 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820