Midtown Restaurant Says 'Not Safe' To Reopen Yet: GA Coronavirus

MIDTOWN, GA — A West Midtown Afro-Caribbean restaurant has decided to not join the list of restaurants who opened their dine-in options earlier this week. The owners of Rock Steady shared in a social media post that they want to remain cautious and not open up too quickly.

“While we’d love to open our doors and welcome everyone back, we don’t feel that would be the safe thing to do at this time,” they wrote on Instagram. “This is a tough decision for us, however the health and safety of our team and community is our #1 priority.”

They said they don’t have a reopen date yet, but are still preparing for when that day comes.

Gov. Brian Kemp announced last week that businesses like hair salons, nail salons, bowling alleys and gyms could reopen. Then on Monday, restaurants were allowed to reopen their dine in services as long as social distancing and other CDC recommended guidelines were followed.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has publicly said that she didn’t agree with the governor reopening the state in phases.

"I've never found the governor to be an unreasonable man, but this really defies logic for me," she said.

Rock Steady’s owners said they think it’s too soon to open as well, but they are still thinking of their team. A GoFundMe with the goal of $15,000 was launched to help support its team members. As of Wednesday night, they’ve raised over $1,300.

“We’re asking for your help while we undergo this extremely difficult time together. Any amount of assistance you can provide means the world to us. 100% of your donations will be provided to staff.”

Rock Steady opened in November 2019. Chicago restaurateur Joe Russo and business partner Jacob Thomas said they wanted to bring an upscale feel with a modern twist to popular Afro-Caribbean dishes.

The menu focuses on contemporary renditions of traditional Caribbean cuisine with West African influences. Many of the plates are meant for sharing, giving restaurant goers a true Afro-Caribbean experience.

Main courses such as handmade black pepper pappardelle pasta with slow braised oxtail, braised jerk chicken, Kreyol seafood curry and brown stew lamb shank are just a few examples of the savory entrees diners can enjoy.

The owners want customers to know they’re looking forward to reopening soon.

“We can’t wait to see you all again soon. One love.”