EAST GRAND FORKS, MINN. (KFGO) – Another East Grand Forks business plans to open for dine-in service in defiance of the executive order by Governor Tim Walz prohibiting such service at bars and restaurants.
Joe Bushaw, the owner of Joe’s Diner in East Grand Forks, in a Facebook post, said he plans to open his family restaurant back up Wednesday morning. He said if the governor does extend the order for bars and restaurants to stay closed beyond this Friday when the order is to end, Joe’s Diner won’t survive.
Talking with other small business owners around the state, many of who can no longer survive without reopening, Bushaw said, “We decided that if we are going to lose everything, we are going down fighting for it.” Bushaw knows coronavirus is a threat and says he is taking all necessary CDC precautions for customers and employees.
The state earlier this week suspended the liquor license of Boardwalk Bar & Grill in East Grand Forks for 60 days after it violated the governor’s executive order for in-person dining.
A group called the “Reopen Minnesota Coalition” has a goal to have at least 200 businesses agree to defy the state executive order. A spokesman said they want businesses to open restriction free but be as safe as possible.
Comments