Willie's Grill & Icehouse temporarily closed 2 locations after employees test positive for COVID-19
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- While many restaurants are finally open and operating at 50% capacity, Willie's Grill and Icehouse locations on Highway 6 and Highway 249 are closed for the time being.
The decision to close these locations came after three employees recently tested positive for COVID-19, officials said.
"During this pandemic, we thought the right thing to do is get everyone tested and close it down," said President CEO, Greg Lippert. "Make sure no one has the virus, and then, reopen it."
Lippert told ABC13 all employees were made to wear masks and gloves, pass a temperature check and go through an extensive interview.
"They asked questions, like have you been feeling ill or in contact with anyone positive?" he said.
Just last week, one employee at the Highway 6 location, who passed the temperature check, said they were not feeling well during the interview portion.
That employee was sent home and tested positive days later. Soon after, two more employees fell sick.
That's when Lippert took to Facebook to explain to customers what happened and why they chose to close two locations.
He hopes to reopen next week. All employees are still getting paid.
"This is a challenging time in the restaurant industry," Lippert said. "But, I have always chose to side on caution and safety. The business will come back. It always does."
