Some JXN restaurants are preparing to begin serving patrons in-house again, but not without taking the proper steps to ensure safety and peace-of-mind.

Following executive orders from the City of Jackson detailed at jacksonms.gov/slowopen, full service and limited-service restaurants and bars that serve food are allowed to reopen as of Saturday, May 16 at 12:01 a.m. Daily, those establishments must close by 10 p.m.

Among the requirements listed to reopen:

• No more than six people are allowed in a party and tables must be six feet apart. There is no seating at bar or counter areas. Patios and “parklet” style parking lot seating is encouraged.
• Employees must wear face coverings when social distancing of six feet is not possible. Diners must also wear face coverings unless seated at a table.
• Deep cleaning and sanitizing of the entire facility must be completed before reopening and regular sanitizing procedures are required every two hours for front-of-house
• Employees must be screened for signs of illness
• Hand sanitizer must be provided for employees and guests
• Single-use menus and condiment packets must be used.

Many are still preparing to meet those standards, sticking instead to curbside pickup of food and drinks. Others are announcing they are ready and have their sights set on Saturday.

At The Iron Horse Grill, the restaurant declared on their social media “downtown is back” and detailed procedures they will follow for Saturday’s reopening.

In Northeast JXN, Scrooge’s Restaurant and Pub has resumed curbside pickup offerings Friday and says dine-in service will open Saturday.

Also in Northeast JXN, Sante Fe Mexican Restaurant is opening Saturday for dine-in, promising “half-capacity” and a deal on margaritas.

Others, like Fairview Inn’s Library Lounge will reopen Monday for lunch and dinner service and have been posting a countdown detailing their safety measures.

Additional dining opportunities – in-house and curbside pickup – are detailed at jxn.ms/jxnrestaurants. Did you know you can pickup up mixed drinks, beer and wine, too?

This is a developing story.