Tipsy Oak restaurant in Arlington opens patio to dine-in customers despite coronavirus
Tipsy Oak in Arlington is opening its tables back up — at least those on the patio.
The local restaurant began seating customers for full service on its patio Sunday, before Gov. Greg Abbott’s plans to gradually reopen businesses in the state were announced Monday.
Tipsy Oak even has concerts with Abbey Brown and The Sound and The Hightower Duo booked for May 1 and 2, respectively.
General Manager Patrick McGlone said the decision to reopen came because owners believe it’s time to get employees back to work after the shutdown due to coronavirus.
“We’re just at a crossroads where we need to get opened back up and get people back to work,” McGlone said. “We need to get back to paying all our employees. A lot of people can’t afford being out of work right now.”
The restaurant has had a lot of support, he said, with customers Sunday driving from as far as Waco to support the business’ decision.
And Arlington officials said Monday that, because Abbott’s plan was announced, the restaurant will be able to continue seating customers on its patio. Susan Schrock, the city’s spokeswoman, said that bars must remain closed and restaurants will be limited to 25% capacity to prevent spread of the virus.
Abbott’s plan calls for reopening some businesses, including restaurants, starting this Friday.
Tipsy Oak said on its Facebook page the restaurant will be spacing customers out for their safety and is taking extra precautions in cleanliness to the prevent spread of coronavirus.
The support for the business has been strong throughout the nationwide economic shutdown spurred by the novel coronavirus outbreak, McGlone said. Customers new and old have ordered takeout from the local business.
Some of the most loyal customers have even bought food daily, he said.
The restaurant will continue to offer curbside pickup for customers who aren’t ready to get back to dining in, according to its Facebook page.
Tipsy Oak isn’t the first business in Tarrant County to reopen or announce plans to do so amid the mandated closures. Several bars in Fort Worth have announced plans to reopen May 1, including Basement Bar in the Stockyards.
Colleyville restaurants Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas, Benny’s Cafe and Gloria’s Latin Cuisine have all opened their patios for dine-in as well.
Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley had ordered that restaurants could “only provide take-out, delivery, curbside pickup or drive-in.” That order is scheduled to end Thursday.
This story was originally published April 28, 2020 at 1:50 PM.