By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
Sunday at 8:45 p.m. and it’s last call at Howard’s Club H.
The customers who pack the front bar seem more intent on soaking up a last bit of camaraderie than maintaining social distance.
For the patrons of Howard’s, as for those of other watering holes, coffee shops, and eat-in eateries, all this ended at 9 p.m. by order of Gov. Mike DeWine.
Restaurants can continue to serve customers by take-out, delivery, curbside pickup or drive-thru. Not an option for bars.
Nikki Cordy, who’s tended bar for 20 years, said she’s “catatonic” at the thought of this enforced lay off. “It’s scary.”
The only time she’d taken time off before was to have a baby.
“I totally understand why they’re doing what they’re doing,” she said. “It’s better to be proactive than sorry.”
Cordy said there’s a lot of dark humor along the bar, she said. That’s not surprising given the staff will occasionally to dress in apocalyptic, “Mad Max” garb.
This is the first time Howard’s has closed that anyone can remember. Through holidays, polar vortex, and blizzards, the bar has opened its doors to regulars like Alex Zerby.
Now he said he and others will have to find other places for companionship.
He deals with mental issues, and he keeps busy to help counteract those. He’s a high school teacher, and an entertainer. “To go from working four jobs to working no jobs is a very big jump in our lifestyle.” He’s not alone in that. People dealing with anxiety and depression need groups to go to whether it’s Magic the Gathering, or knitting groups or Bible study. “Just to go and say ‘I feel seen,’” he said.
“How do we at this point create social groups in Bowling Green that are compatible for everyone?”
“When I need a night out I know when I walk in here everyone’s going to know who I am,” he said.
He and other regulars are trying to figure out how they can maintain this sense of community with movie nights or by playing board games or just hanging out.
Cordy said with the bar closed she’ll seek unemployment insurance as well as assistance available through the United States Bartender Guild.
The establishment employs 10 workers, as well as being a venue for local, student, and regional musicians.
Down the street, Grounds for Thought is already closed.
Owners Kelly and Laura Wick had decided before the announcement was made in Columbus to shutter the shop.
Though they could continue doing take out, they opted not to.
It’s not safe for people to gather, even if it’s just waiting in line for a latte. And staying open would also exposed staff to coronavirus.
“It’s a little sad, of course,” Wicks said. “But it’s really what the community needs to do to slow the spread of COVID-19 and hopefully get on top of this. … It was not an easy decision. This will be the longest we’ve been closed since we’ve opened.” The shop celebrated 30 years of operation in 2019.
Grounds will remain closed until state officials say it’s safe to open.
The shop, he said, will still be selling and delivering coffee through its online operation.
He said the shop is fortunate to be in a position to continue paying its baristas.
Boby Mitov, of Naslada, was at work Monday morning fulfilling an order for his personal chef order , where customers can order a personalized meal of eight servings.
He will also provide take out during the restaurants usual hours.
Being closed will be tough for him and other small businesses. “It will be difficult to survive.” He hopes customers continue to support them as best they can including buying gift cards.
And he sees eating good food — he prides himself on fresh ingredients, often local and organic — as one of the ways people can promote good health, even during a pandemic — get plenty of sleep, and don’t panic, and most important eat healthy food.
The Ohio Restaurant Association reports that 51 percent of America’s food dollar is spent in restaurants.
During the news conference announcing the closing of restaurants and bars, Lt. Gov. John Husted said people should continue to patronize restaurants. It’s better than emptying the shelves of supermarkets, he said.
Greg Shepherd of Stadium Salsa has launched a Facebook page Bowling Green Ohio Food Delivery page to help out his peers in the food business.
On the page, he explains: “After hearing about the Governor’s message on ‘delivery and takeout for all restaurants and bars that serve food,’ I felt compelled to help in a small way. Please post your website or phone number if you are able to deliver food or offer takeout.”
