INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Some businesses are preparing to open their doors, but they'll need to make some big adjustments.
Los Cabos Mexican Grill in Independence will reopen its restaurant to customers May 15.
Market Partner Steve Sinnott said the business has been working on an action plan for the last two weeks. It details what employees will do to provide proper social distancing and cleaning.
"The first thing we're going to do is reduce our capacity by 50% so we can practice social distancing," Sinnott said. "All of our tables will be set six feet apart and we'll have red tablecloths on tables we can't seat."
Table arrangements are just the tip of the iceberg. The business will have a host stand outside with social distancing markers. Customers can give their name and number. They will be asked to wait in their car with a pager until their table is ready.
The business will not seat parties of 10 or more. Employees will wear masks and gloves and have timers that require frequent hand washing and sanitizing.
Sinnott said he and all of the employees are excited to see customers in the restaurant once again.
"We've been here working our tails off for two months doing everything we can to keep everything moving and the staff is excited. I think everybody is excited," Sinnott said.
The restaurant's bar will look different, too. Half of the stools will be removed and customers will not be allowed to stand at the bar while they wait for their table.
Bar Manager Christian Gable said he is looking forward to the change of pace.
"It was eerie coming into work after this whole thing started, not having people in the building other than us managers and the select staff that we have," Gable said.
Sinnott said he understands not everyone will be comfortable going into businesses right away. He said the restaurant will continue to provide curbside pickup and deliveries through DoorDash.
