Carbondale Reporter

As Illinois works toward reopening after COVID-19, the southern portion of the state is optimistic for Phase 3, particularly its restaurant owners. 

Restaurants are now able to begin welcoming guests to dine in as the Restore Illinois plan reaches its third phase based on Gov. J.B. Pritzker's plan, The Health Tribune reported on May 29.  

Marion-based restaurant owners Lynn and John Hill began preparing Bennie's Italian Food on May 28, The Health Tribune reported. Their restaurant was joined by many other eating establishments in Marion, including The Vault, Walt’s Buffalo Wild Wings and Pookie’s, to name a few. 

Williamson County’s Walker’s Bluff is also reopening and the establishment conducted an online survey asking customers to share their input about returning to business, The Health Tribune reported. 

Walker’s Bluff’s founder and CEO, Cynde Bunch, said that they understand the importance of protecting diners while also providing them with a place to meet up with friends and family. 

"As a registered nurse who served many years in a clinical setting, I fully understand the gravity and potential impact of this pandemic," Cynde Bunch, CEO and founder of Walker's Bluff LLC, told The Health Tribune. "I also understand the benefits of time with friends and family enjoying a great meal and making memories, in-person."

To help businesses as they begin to reopen, Marion Mayor Mike Absher made an executive order to allow certain public property and private property that is either owned or leased by bars or restaurants to be used for dining, drinking and doing curbside pickup, The Health Tribune reported. The order limits the usage of space to 60 minutes between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

In Du Quoin, Mayor Guy Alongi said that he is suspending ordinances that make placing tents or organizing sidewalk dining difficult, and said that businesses need to be able to begin offering their services again, The Health Tribune reported.