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PHILIPPI -- The owners of restaurants belonging to the Barbour County Chamber of Commerce recently announced their plans for re-opening during the pandemic. Some have reported remodeling activities while all have taken the opportunity to deep-clean their premises. Most have reopened for indoor dining under social distancing regulations, while others have either yet to make that decision or will remain closed until the law allows for full seating capacity in the dining areas.
John Mosesso, owner of several restaurants in the county, said that Li'l Moes and Margarita's Mexican Cantina both offer indoor dining at 50% capacity, and both have take-out service, with Margarita's offering a drive-through window. The Hot Dog Hut, he says, opened on May 30 with the same seating restrictions. Barbour Lanes, he said, will remain closed until Aug. 1.
Lori Skidmore, the manager of McDonald's in Philippi, has had drive-through and take-out service for some time, but is awaiting word from the corporate office on a full re-opening date. Their hours are 5 a.m. until midnight Mondays through Thursdays, opening at 6:30 a.m. on Sundays. Fridays and Saturdays hours run from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. the next day. McDonald's has a complete sanitizing program every two hours.
Cindi Cvechko, the president of the Laurel Mountain Inn in Belington, has taken the opportunity to do a complete deep-cleaning of the restaurant, sanitizing the kitchen, dining room and carpeting. Because of the seating arrangement, she says, the business will not re-open until authorized for full-seating by the office of West Virginia's Governor.
Barb's Restaurant in Belington owned by Barbara Weaver is currently seating at half capacity and is open Mondays through Thursdays from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., closing Sundays at 5 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, Barb's is open until 8 p.m.
The facility is not allowed to pre-set tables or offer buffet service, and is limited to six customers at a table while following social distancing requirements.
Eric Gain, owner of the Philippi Inn located at 14914 Barbour County Highway, says he offers social distancing at alternate tables from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and operates on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The restaurant is also not allowed to pre-set tables. The facility has had take-out service for several weeks.
Kevin Lyons has taken advantage of the forced closing to renovate the Medallion Restaurant, where painting, newly-covered booths and detailing of the entire kitchen is currently taking place. The Medallion will remain closed until full indoor seating is allowed. When it re-opens, the restaurant will use all-paper utensils as prescribed by the authorities. The restaurant does not currently offer take-out service.
Fox's Pizza, Lyons says, is experiencing an unprecedented number of online orders while allowing no indoor dining. Drive-through and delivery service is available from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and from noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Fox's offers food and drink options in addition to its wide selection of pizza.