Ames Today

Ames restaurant owners are taking a large hit to their businesses due to the coronavirus crisis. 

On March 17, Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all bars and restaurants to close up for dine-in eating. However, the governor said the eateries and bars are allowed to sell carry-out and drive-thru orders. The governor declares that the emergency ordinances will remain in place until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, March 31.

Sharon Stewart, owner of the Lockwood Cafe, closed her doors on March 17. Stewart told the Iowa State Daily that the employees made it hard to close up the restaurant. She said the employees are like family.

“The employees are what made the decision extremely hard as to when to close and for how long to stay closed, have a staff of seven people, and they are like family to us,” Stewart told the publication. “The idea of not being able to provide them income is very difficult, there is the option for them to apply for unemployment and we've encouraged all of them to do that. We're still trying to figure out the details of how to create more revenue for them.”