KANSAS CITY, Kan. — More businesses in Kansas are preparing to reopen Friday under Gov. Laura Kelly's modified Phase 2 plan.
All businesses and activities slated for Phase 2 — except bars, nightclubs and swimming pools, which were moved to Phase 3 — are allowed to open.
Wednesday's announcement from Wyandotte County that it would align with the state's plan left some business owners scrambling to get ready.
Rick Thurber, co-owner of KC Bowl in Kansas City, Kansas, said he and his employees have been working nonstop to get the business ready for bowlers.
"It's been a trying two days, but we're glad to be back open," Thurber said.
Friday's reopening will bring big changes to the bowling alley. Thurber is requiring bowlers to call ahead and schedule a two-hour time slot, wear masks and have their temperature taken when they arrive.
"When a family comes in and they're assigned their lane with their table, that will be their area," Thurber said.
To maintain proper social distancing, the business is not allowing parties greater than 15 people, and only every other lane will be running.
"We're glad to be opening back up, and even running at 50% if we can break even or come close to breaking even, it's still better than losing," Thurber said.
In Overland Park, the Glenwood Arts Theater has the green light to open as well, but co-owner Brian Mossman said reopening right now wouldn't make sense.
"The problem that we have is there's no films, no new films that you can play," Mossman said.
He said it will likely be another few weeks before he has new films to put on his screens. When that happens, he'll have sanitizing stations and limited seating.
"They'll be roped off, and we're going to do our best to make everything clean and safe for a good movie-going experience," Mossman said.
Mossman said the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program and donations from the community have helped keep the business standing, but he still has a long road ahead.
"We'll get through this, but it's going to be hard," Mossman said. "It's going to be a very tough year for us."
