Bee Brothers: Restaurants 'Targeted' By Pritzker's Regulations

ROMEOVILLE, IL — "It feels as if the bar and restaurant industry is specifically being targeted," said Andy Theodorou, c0-owner of Bee Brothers in Romeoville, which along with all other restaurants in the area had to suspend indoor dining once again Aug. 26.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker decided to shut down dining rooms across Will and Kankakee counties after coronavirus cases went up in the region. He made the announcement Aug. 24; according to Pritzker, if the numbers improve, there's a chance that the more-stringent measures affecting the food and beverage industry could be eased in a couple of weeks.

"I completely understand the need for public safety, but also wholeheartedly disagree with these new mitigations for Will County," Theodorou said. "How is it fair that we are expected to shut down again, yet you can easily go gamble or visit the hair salon a few doors down? I feel as though the opposite should be true. The food service industry is subject to a high set of standards when it comes to preparation and sanitation procedures."

When restaurants were allowed to reopen in June, he said, he was required to complete an eight-hour course on safety and sanitation and learn about various illnesses due to poor sanitation.

"Our servers are all food safety certified. What other business that is allowed to remain open can say the same?"

The eatery is back to the temporary outdoor seating it had arranged in May. Changes that were made since the last time it was allowed to reopen are still in place. All employees are required to wear masks and sanitize frequently. There is also ample space between the tables so diners can enjoy a meal while social distancing.

Theodorou said that after all the changes they "willingly" made to ensure safety, it feels as if the "rug has been pulled out from under us." He said it will affect the business by "taking an already difficult chapter in our story and making it near impossible."

"I can frankly say it is saddening to sit in a dark dining room you have poured all your dreams and aspirations into, and feel completely helpless and at the mercy of your elected officials making the right decisions," he said. "We did spend a lot of time and also money making all necessary changes to our indoor dining area. We hope it was not all in vain."

With Labor Day heralding the official end of summer, Illinois now must prepare for colder temperatures and winter. Theodorou said his greatest fear at the moment is that if the pandemic continues, dining outside will not be a viable option.

"What happens if dining rooms are to remain closed during wintertime? Our climate is not a pleasant one," he said. "I applaud those local townships who refuse to follow this and are allowing businesses to remain open. I feel that people should all have the freedom to be able to visit any establishment on their own free will. I enjoy being afforded the liberty to go where I please."

He told Patch in an earlier interview that the business faced "a mountain of challenges due to the pandemic." Priding itself on a formidable team that has the ability to swiftly adapt to changes, Bee Brothers did not lay off anyone during the COVID-19 outbreak. Even now, he said, the community has been supportive and people have been ordering carryout.

Even though these new regulations have put people on high alert, this may not be a long-term solution. Theodorou said the governor should level the playing field.

"If you're going to shut down, do it all the way, not in bits and pieces," he said. "People can become infected anywhere, not just in restaurants and bars. Also, the county-by-county thing is laughable. We are located within easy distance of three counties. What is stopping people from going a short drive in order to dine in anywhere else?"

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