Sovereign Decides To Comply With Indoor Dining Ban In Will Co.

PLAINFIELD, IL — Additional mitigations, which includes the shutdown of indoor dining and bar service, began Friday in Will County, and even though some local businesses have already said they will not be following the guidelines from Governor J.B. Pritzker, a popular Plainfield eatery has decided to comply and help fight the virus.

In a Facebook post, owners of Sovereign, said that the governor's announcement "knocked the wind out of us" because the restaurant was finally gaining some momentum and it was getting back on its feet when the coronavirus numbers started to soar and "we find ourselves right where we started."

"As initial panic ensued, we considered remaining open, but realized if we want this pandemic to FINALLY end, we need to do everything in our power to help stop the spread of the virus. Even if only by a small amount," the social media post said.

Pritzker said public health officials will lift additional regional restrictions once those positivity rates drop below 6.5 percent for three days in a row. State officials could implement "Tier 2" mitigation strategies if regional positivity rates remain above 8 percent for 14 days.

Tier 2 mitigations would include further limitations on in-person dining and social gatherings, a ban on indoor recreational activities, new restrictions at hospitals, and a return to curbside pickup from retail stores.

He said his administration will give priority consideration to businesses in regions facing new restrictions through the state's $220 million Business Interruption Grants program.

In spite of the aid from the government, shutting down indoor dining is a huge blow to businesses and the owners of Sovereign said they understand why others had to make the "far from easy" decision to remain open amid the pandemic.

"These decisions represent the livelihoods of many people, and we can only do what we feel is right," they said.

With that in mind, the restaurant is banking on support of the Plainfield community as they launch a more "travel-friendly" menu that also includes to-go beer packages and cocktails. Diners can also support them by purchasing gift cards and merchandise online.

For more information, visit Sovereign's website.

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