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Many North Texas Businesses — But Not All — Are Waiting To Hear Gov. Abbott's Reopening Plan

While some Texas businesses have reopened already, many are waiting to hear what the governor's COVID-19 reopening plan is for retail outlets, restaurants, salons and other businesses first.
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While some Texas businesses have reopened already, many are waiting to hear what the governor's COVID-19 reopening plan is for retail outlets, restaurants, salons and other businesses first.

Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to make an announcement today about the path to reopen a wide range of Texas businesses, including hair salons, retail outlets and restaurants.

But the mayor of one North Texas city — Colleyville — has already done that. On Sunday, folks waited in line for up to three hours for a chance to eat on Rio Mambo's patio.

Owner Brent Johnson says he was so busy this weekend, he'll need to hire more staff. He says the restaurant is going to implement seat reservations on its website, like some theaters offer moviegoers when purchasing tickets.

"We're going to have seated times for all 17 tables, an hour and 15 minutes minutes apart," he said. "We're going to do it by appointment and reservation only."

Johnson says they're doing it that way as a precaution, to reduce any possible spread of COVID-19. He's already decreased the number of tables his staff can serve from 36 to 17, and each table is seven feet apart.

Plus, Johnson says he's working with the Texas Restaurant Association to develop and implement new safety protocols.

That "amount of training and awareness doesn't happen overnight," he said.

Not all restaurants in Colleyville have jumped at the opportunity to serve customers for dine-in service. In fact, most of the ones we spoke with say they're waiting to hear what the governor's plan is.

Johnson says he understands their hesitation. Still, he says someone has to test the waters.

Hady Mawajdeh has been a reporter, producer, and digital editor at KERA since 2016. He is the creator and the co-host of KERA's first narrative podcast, Gun Play. And prior to his work in engagement, he also reported on arts and culture, social justice, and gun rights for the newsroom.