OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Restaurants in Kansas City, Missouri, are gearing up for customers to come sit down and eat inside again.
But across the state line, many establishments in Johnson County have either reopened or plan to open this week. Johnny's Tavern at West 95th Street and Antioch Road is one establishment that has reopened for business, but the restaurant now looks much different.
"We added an extra barrier in all the booths that go up high enough where people can feel comfortable that we have a barrier set up between all of the booths," owner Kyle Witherspoon said.
The restaurant is offering single-use menus and has removed condiments from tables, which are spaced at least six feet apart. Johnny's Tavern is asking most customers to stay in their cars if there is a wait.
The restaurant said there was a good turnout for dinner on Monday evening. Hostesses and waiters are wearing gloves and masks.
A physician told 41 Action News that customers should take precautions if they plan to go to a restaurant.
"Nobody can say for certainty the steps we take today, what is going to be a few weeks down the road?" said Dr. Chris Perryman, chief medical officer at Saint Luke's Health System.
Perryman said one big tip before heading out is to call ahead and ask what changes have been made.
"What are your precautions, are you doing a good job about cleaning and disinfecting the material," Perryman said.
He added that it's great to see places opening up, but that doesn't mean people should forget social distancing.
"This is not over. We need to continue to keep our foot on the brake," Perryman said.
