Restaurants Can Open at 50% Capacity, Bars at 25% On May 22
Today, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that restaurants can begin operating dining rooms at 50-percent capacity and that bars can open at 25-percent capacity on Friday, May 22. The announcement has been eagerly awaited by many independent restaurant and bar owners who are struggling with reduced or no revenue, and few avenues for financial help. […]
2020 James Beard Award Nominees Include Five Houston Finalists — Updated
To help add a touch of joy in one of the darkest times in restaurant and bar history, the James Beard Foundation opted to go ahead and reveal the list of 2020 award finalists. While there are a few bright spots for Houston, only three of the 14 area semifinalists for the restaurant awards made […]
Texas Issues Detailed Rules For Reopening Restaurants — Updated
Texas governor Greg Abbott’s office has issued a guide called Open Texas, which is available as a downloadable PDF. The booklet includes a section of Minimum Standard Health Protocols for restaurants to follow upon reopening, which is allowed on May 1 but with only 25 percent occupancy. Updated, 5/21/20, 9:55 a.m.: The Open Texas guidelines […]
New SBA Guidance Encourages Restaurant Chains to Return PPP Loans
After a week of public outrage over millions in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds going to publicly traded restaurant chains, the Small Business Administration (SBA) added new guidance to its FAQ about the program. Item 31 states: Borrowers must make this certification in good faith, taking into account their current business activity and their ability […]
Stay-At-Home Order Issued; Harris Co. Restaurants Remain Essential – Updated
At a press conference this morning with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a countywide stay-at-home order to help slow the spread of coronavirus. The directive requires Harris County residents to stay at home unless they are purchasing groceries, pet food, key household items and medicines, receiving medical treatment or working […]