Uptown Makes New Regulations Work, Says 'Change Is The New Norm'

PLAINFIELD, IL — Many restaurants are not pleased with Gov. J.B. Pritzker's decision to suspend indoor dining at restaurants and bars across Will and Kankakee counties after coronavirus cases went up in the region. But, a popular eatery in Plainfield believes this is the best path forward.

One of the partners of Uptown Tap & Eatery, Crisa Barriball, said they are all "in this together."

"The new mitigations are placed to keep people safe and to help businesses stay open in the long run," she said.

The governor made the announcement Aug.24 and the latest regulations took effect on 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.

Barriball said they have two outdoor patios so the transition into this new phase wasn't very difficult. The only change was the realignment of staff due to the disruption in indoor dining services. So far, she said, there have not been many cancellations, but she anticipates a decrease in business if the weather does not permit outdoor dining.

The restaurant recently remodeled the interior "it was only short lived," Barriball said. However, she is confident that once "we all return back to allowing indoor dining that our guests will support us."

In light of the new regulations, the restaurant is not allowing diners to congregate outside, instead they are being notified when their table is ready. They are now open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

One of the reasons for Uptown's seamless acceptance of the new rules is its own brush with the coronavirus. On Aug. 21, the restaurant had announced on social media that it would be temporarily closing after one of its employees tested positive for COVID-19.

But the owners proactively got the restaurant fully deep cleaned and disinfected.

"We followed Will County's guidelines and opened when it was safe for everyone," Barriball said. "We check temperatures of every employee before starting work, our menus are disposable, all of our condiments are disposable. We also wipe and sanitize all tables between seatings and hand sanitizers are available to guests and staff in multiple locations. Face masks are required for all employees."

She said throughout this change, community members have been very supportive, and even though interruptions in business is "always frustrating, Uptown is here for the long run."

"Our menu hasn't changed, and we have all of our menu items available online for delivery. We have enhanced our family meals packs with more choices that will help families better organize their weekly meals," Barriball said. "We still have outdoor dining which includes covered dining in our back patio that can be enjoyed in case of inclement weather. Change is the new norm, and we all try to adapt as best we can."

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