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Across the street, The Roadhouse has similar precautions implemented to keep patrons safe. While most have been respectful, Kevin Price, the general manager of both The Roadhouse and The Hideaway, said patrons have different opinions about COVID-19.
People are comfortable in places they hang out in often and aren’t used to being told to sit down, stay in their seats and wear a mask, Price said. Some people believe it is a hoax, some aren’t too concerned, and others are deathly afraid but still want to be able to go out and enjoy dining in restaurants, he added.
“No matter how we feel personally or what our opinion of it may be, we’re just trying to respect anybody that would like to come and join us here and have some good food and have some drinks.”
Cave Creek resident George Tierney said he came to The Roadhouse the day and the hour it reopened and ordered a Coors Light. The 88-year-old said he’s not worried about COVID-19, saying “it is such a pleasure” to be back at the restaurants.
While The Roadhouse staff is excited to be back open, it’s been a rough year financially, Price said. Fortunately, the restaurant didn’t lose any of its employees during the shutdowns; however, the price of operating and implementing safety measures has been steep.
“Everybody has been pretty darn excited about it,” he said.
While Bunch said he’s enthused about Cave Creek restaurants being open for in-dining business, he said he thought it was unfair that Harold’s Corral was closed the second time around. The staff was already taking the proper precautions necessary.
“The (series) 6 was always an investment, and it ended up being a penalty during this mess,” Bunch said.
Bunch said he’s concerned that folks from other areas with higher rates of COVID-19 will visit the restaurants and spread the virus.
“This is still a pandemic,” Bunch said. “This is still something that’s really easy to catch, but if the businesses are being responsible and following the guidelines, then it’s not on them if bad things happen.”
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services’ website, Cave Creek has seen 455 cases.
As of August 30, in Arizona, there have been 201,661 cases and 5,030 deaths, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.
At the time of the June 29 executive order, there were 73,908 cases and 1,588 deaths.
