Tidewater Grille Reopens After 3-Month Closure Amid Pandemic

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — Tidewater Grille is reopening Wednesday after a closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Harford County Liquor Control Board.

The restaurant closed Monday, Dec. 7, 2020.

"We did receive a notice from Ralph Shapot, who is the [liquor] license holder, that Tidewater Grove will reopen actually, today — 3/10/21 —after having been closed due to the pandemic," Judi Powell, Harford County Liquor Control Board special projects coordinator, said Wednesday.

In a letter on the restaurant's website, Shapot said the public had "understandable reluctance to go out to bars and restaurants," which was "evident by our empty tables and sparse bar."

When the restaurant closed, Harford County and Maryland were experiencing a surge in new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.

"We are looking at this temporary closure as a pause in business while our community, the country, and the world deal with the virus," Shapot said on the restaurant's website.

In early February, Harford County's health officer said Havre de Grace had become a "hot spot" for the virus due to the proportion of people testing positive for the virus.

Since then, the new case rate and coronavirus-related hospitalizations have slowed in Maryland, prompting Gov. Larry Hogan to announce Tuesday that he would lift capacity restrictions on restaurants and other businesses effective at 5 p.m. Friday, March 12.

“With the pace of vaccinations rapidly rising and our health metrics steadily improving, the lifting of these restrictions is a prudent, positive step in the right direction and an important part of our economic recovery,” Hogan said Tuesday. “These steps are made possible because of Marylanders wearing masks, washing their hands, keeping their distance, and following the public health advice, and because our businesses have carefully followed safe reopening practices and public health guidelines in order to help keep their employees and customers safe.”

Harford County Executive Barry Glassman said Tuesday that Harford County would follow the state's lead in reopening.

The Tidewater Grille is at 300 Franklin Street in Havre de Grace. It will be open until 9 p.m. Outdoor seating is available.

See Also:

• Harford County To Ease COVID-19 Restrictions In Alignment With MD
• Limits On MD Dining, Bars, Gyms End Soon; Camden Yards Can Open
• Havre de Grace Coronavirus Cases Total 850
• Havre de Grace Is Coronavirus Hot Spot: Harford Health Officer

Here is the notice from the Tidewater Grille announcing its closure:

Temporarily closed effective Monday, 7 December 2020

"To our customers,

"We plan on temporarily closing the restaurant Monday 7 December 2020. We have always prioritized the safety of our customers, and in these uncertain times, this is no different. Your understandable reluctance to go out to bars and restaurants is evident by our empty tables and sparse bar. We are looking at this temporary closure as a pause in business while our community, the country, and the world deal with the virus.

"We are thinking about our customers and look forward to serving you again in the future when things get back to 'normal' and folks feel safe enough to go back out to enjoy restaurants/bars. We are carefully monitoring the situation, like you, and at this time cannot provide an estimated time of reopening.

"Thank you for your support and for being a valued customer. We are so thankful for the pleasure of serving you, and look forward to you returning when we reopen. Until then, connect with us virtually online via our website and social media channels. This is where you’ll find updates and any news on our reopening.

"I encourage you to stay safe and focus on enjoying this holiday season. We wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Healthy & Happy New Year."

Warmest regards,
Ralph Shapot
Owner

Tidewater Grille