Restaurants prepare to re-open dining rooms in Great Falls

GREAT FALLS — Many restaurant owners in Great Falls are busy preparing to reopen in limited capacities, now that the first phase of the "Re-opening the Big Sky" plan is underway.

Fuddruckers owner Dan Binstock has been working with Dennis Fowler, a chemical expert consultant to make sure his business is clean and safe for customers. The restaurant has been open for takeout, but will reopen at 50% capacity on Monday, May 4th - the first day that restaurants will be able to offer dine-in service in more than a month.

The City-County Health Department in Great Falls says it’s just as important for customers to follow health guidelines and precautions. They ask customers to wear face masks when possible in public and stores, avoid coming into a business if they’re feeling sick or have a cough, and follow businesses’ rules and recommendations for social-distancing as everyone works through the phased reopening.

“That’s going to be one of the most important things, is everybody coming into these businesses taking these steps,” she said. “That's how we’re going to stop more cases of this virus in our community.”

Click here to read the CCHD guidelines for businesses (PDF). For more information, click here to visit the CCHD website.

PHASED RE-OPENING: Governor Steve Bullock announced last week a three-phase plan to "re-open" Montana, as closures and restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 will be gradually rescinded. Among the highlights of the plan:

• The "stay at home order" expired on Sunday, April 26, for individuals and Monday, April 27, for businesses. Retail businesses can become operational beginning on April 27 if they can adhere to requirements to limit capacity and maintain strict physical distancing.
• Restaurants, bars, breweries, and distilleries can begin providing some in-establishment services beginning May 4. Click here for more details.
• Businesses where groups gather without the ability to social distance including movie theaters, gyms, and other places of assembly remain closed.

The above is just a brief summary of key points; click here for more details of the "Re-opening The Big Sky" plan.

THE REBOUND: MONTANA: We know the COVID-19 pandemic is changing our community. To keep you and your family informed as we move forward, we're beginning a new series of reports. They are stories that will help all of us navigate through these uncertain times. In the coming weeks and months, we'll be focusing on “The Rebound: Montana.” It is a series of reports, videos, and information that show our commitment to stories that will help you as our communities begin to rebound - from what you'll need to know when it's time to go back to work, to how those in the community continue to step up and help others.