CG's Comedy Club To Reopen June 26 As Illinois Enters Phase 4

BOLINGBROOK, IL — Within just a year, this Bolingbrook comedy club was able to garner a wide base of followers and after remaining closed for over three months, it is about to spread laughter in the community once again. According to a social media post, CG's Comedy Club is expected to reopen June 26 after a pandemic-induced hiatus.

"We are excited to open in these uncertain times but will be doing everything possible to ensure the safety and well-being of our customers and staff," said owner Glen Martino. "It’s a scary time for everyone, but we think that laughing together is what everyone needs right about now."

The earliest Illinois could move into Phase 4 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's reopening plan would be June 26. And currently, all regions of the state or on track to do so, state officials told Patch on Friday.

Martino said the club closed its doors March 14 in accordance with the governor's orders and like many other businesses, have been grappling with the uncertainty of being able to reopen.

"It put a strain on our finances especially being a new business in our first year. Fortunately we did not lay off any of our staff," he said. "We maintained our presence on our social media pages and were able to stay connected with our comics and fans."

For all businesses that rely on large crowds, this will be a "whole new world going forward," Martino said.

"Especially with the new changes in group gatherings this will be new territory for all entertainment venues," he said.

In Phase 4, which is the "revitalization phase," the following will occur:

• Gatherings or 50 or fewer people are allowed.
• All schools and child care facilities can reopen under Illinois Department of Public Health-approved guidance. This includes colleges, pre-school through grade 12 schools and all summer programs.
• Bars and restaurants will be able to open with capacity limits in place and under IDPH-approved guidance. Establishments can open for indoor seating.
• Personal care services and health clubs: All barbershops, salons, spas and health and fitness clubs can open with capacity limits and IDPH approved safety guidance.
• In Phase 4, all employees can return to work with IDPH approved safety guidance but employers are encouraged to provide accommodations for COVID-19-vulnerable employees. All manufacturing businesses can open and retail businesses will be open with capacity limits in place.
• Cinemas and theaters can open with capacity limits in place. In addition, all outdoor recreation is allowed and all health care providers can open.

With these guidelines in mind, Martino said they will be taking all suggested preventive measures.

"We want to reassure our customers that their safety and well-being is our top priority," he said.

The club will have the following guidelines in place:

• Only allow 50 people at any given time, cutting down its capacity by 50 percent.
• There will be at least 6 feet between tables and only two people are allowed at each table.
• Staff members will be wearing face masks.
• All employees and guests will have to get their temperature taken before entering the venue.
• Tables, chair, menus and door handles will be sanitized between each show.
• In the event of cancellations, tickets will be refunded.

Due to seating capacity, Martino said guests should purchase tickets earlier by calling 630-410-8906 or online here.