C.O. restaurants prepare for the new normal that could bring diners back next week

For many, takeout has gotten strong support

BEND, Ore (KTVZ) -- Empty restaurants have become commonplace in recent weeks, but as Gov Kate Brown rolls out restaurant reopening guidelines, that may all change as soon as May 15.

Oregon’s restaurants have had to resort to delivery and takeout only, as most businesses were shut down when the stay at home order started in the state in March. If counties meet a long list of requirements, the Phase 1 limited reopenings could begin next week.

The new guidelines are as follows:

• Restaurants must maintain social distancing by keeping guests six feet apart.
• Restaurants must limit party sizes to 10 or fewer.
• Have employees wear gloves when performing cleaning, sanitizing, or disinfecting
• activities.
• Employees will have to start wearing facemasks.
• Employees must continue to practice meticulous personal hygiene practices like regularly washing hands.
• No bare-hand contact with food is permitted.

"It's going to be tough with the restrictions we have,” Wendi Kissler, the Noi Thai Cuisine general manager said Friday. “It's going to be tough to make the amount of money, I think."

Kissler said the restaurant has been doing surprisingly well in recent weeks, something she credits to the Bend community.

"We have been doing really well with takeout,” Kissler said. “The community support and everything we have had has been amazing, and for that we thank them very much."