Some Lemoore restaurants coping with state's pleas to close or reduce occupancy rates

On Sunday, California Governor Gavin Newsome asked the state’s bars, wineries, night clubs, and brewpubs to shutter their doors to slow the spread of the virus. But he exempted restaurants and instead asked the state’s eating establishments to cut their occupancy rates by half to keep distance between customers. He seemed confident in his order that businesses will take appropriate actions.

There are roughly 50 establishments in Lemoore where one can order a variety of food from restaurants like the Vineyard to Mexican, Chinese, sandwiches, sushi, and even Thai food.

The Leader spoke to at least two restaurants that seem to be coping. One of Lemoore’s most popular establishments, The Vineyard Restaurant, located at the intersection of Bush Street and West D Street, has been in  Lemoore for decades and is currently owned by Lucy Jones and managed by her son Joe.

Lucy Jones has owned and managed the popular eatery for the past 23 years. “Right now, we’re doing well,” when asked about the state of business in an era of coronavirus. “But it seems like every day it is slowing down a little. We’re doing okay right now.”

Restaurant owner Sunny Law, who owns three Kings County restaurants, including Lemoore's Sushi Table, says business has been slow, but he remains open.

She gave a big thank you to her customers, many of whom she says remain loyal to the restaurant. “I want to thank the customers for supporting us in these unusual times,” she said. “Because of them, we’re still in business. And I want to add a big thanks to our employees, the cooks, and the wait staff. They do a tremendous job.”

The restaurant is also providing somewhat of a sense of security to her customers. “We’ve been doing a lot of cleaning and disinfecting,” said Jones. “We’re also working on putting a handwash station right in the entrance when you first walk in should customers want to wash their hands on the way in and way out.”

Lemoore’s experience is quite different for Los Angeles, where its mayor, Eric Garcetti, on Sunday, went a step further than Gov. Newsom. He ordered the closure of restaurants, bars, and gyms in the state’s largest city.

Lemoore’s Sunny Law, who owns three restaurants in Kings County, is beginning to feel the brunt, saying he’s seen his business decline somewhat. “Business has gone down a bit,” he said from his restaurant, Sushi Table, located in the Save Mart Shopping Center. “I think a lot of people are scared to go outside. But we still have customers coming in.”

He says he also has many customers come in and pick up food to go. “We’ve slowed down a lot.”