Owner Says Eateries 'Quick To Be Punished' With New Guidelines

PLAINFIELD, IL — The owner of Next Whiskey Bar, a new eatery in Plainfield, does not agree with the new mitigations that were imposed after Gov. J.B. Pritzker's decision to suspend indoor dining at restaurants and bars across Will and Kankakee counties because coronavirus cases went up in the region.

"We’re disappointed. We feel that there were mitigation steps that could’ve been taken prior to this gigantic leap in an effort to decrease whatever metric they choose to use in regard to the reopening phases," co-owner Dan Tacone said. "These could’ve included reduced capacities, reduced party sizes, reduced hours, and the guideline that was given to us on Tuesday requiring our guests to wear their mask when staff is in their presence."

Tacone said he and his business partner Ben Devee are also having a hard time understanding why bars and restaurants are "so quick to be punished with every new guideline."

"We haven’t been shown any specific evidence that our industry is to blame for case increases," he said. "As we’ve all seen there are businesses who blatantly disregard the guidelines. Why are those individual businesses not held accountable for their reckless actions? Why are the businesses that are doing the right thing and following the guidelines being penalized for the actions of others?"

The governor made the announcement Aug. 24, and the latest regulations took effect Wednesday. According to him, if the numbers improve, there's a chance that the harsh measures affecting the food and beverage industry could be eased in a couple of weeks.

Tacone said his establishment is open for outdoor dining, but it has had to make a "plethora of changes on extremely short notice."

"To put it simple, with these new guidelines, we basically have to change the whole operation," he said.

Under the new guidelines, the indoor dining section and waiting area will be closed to guests. There is ample waiting space outside the restaurant as well as a private parking lot for guests to wait in the comfort of their vehicles. The eatery's outdoor patio has always had socially distanced tables, and no changes were required.

The NWB opened its doors July 13, offering artisan cocktails, an extensive whiskey list, a menu featuring flavors from around the globe, and the classic comfort food favorites. In an earlier interview with Patch, Tacone described the atmosphere as "relaxed and comfortable with a touch of Southern charm and a kiss of classic rock and roll."

Since it opened in the middle of the pandemic, a lot of the safety measures were already in place, but the new regulations are affecting the business. The number of seats available to diners has been reduced by half, and they've had to double the budget on non-food and drink items such as disposable gloves, masks, sanitizer and approved COVID-19 killing chemicals.

The restaurant has already garnered a stream of loyal diners, and they have been calling with questions. Tacone said the impact this will have on his business depends on the duration of these guidelines.

"It will only have a small effect if they’re short term. If they continue into the winter, they will make us a carry-out-only restaurant. and that’s not sustainable," he said.

Tacone and Devee have been grateful to the support of the Plainfield community so far, and they hope to be able to welcome their guests indoors again soon.

"We cannot wait to have you back in to enjoy our beautiful new spot," Tacone said. "We thrive off the energy that comes from having guests enjoy themselves inside our establishment."

For more news and information like this, subscribe to the Plainfield Patch for free. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here. Don't forget to like us on Facebook!

Other Local Stories:

• Eatery 'Very Upset' With Pritzker's New Will Co. Regulations
• Will County Reopening: COVID-19 Positivity Continues To Rise
• Remembering The Plainfield Tornado On Its 30th Anniversary
• 'Honor The Lives Lost': Library Remembers 1990 Plainfield Tornado
• Last Cruise Night Canceled As Eateries Report COVID-19 Cases
• Plainfield Homeowners Can Apply For $15K Mortgage Relief Grant