Madison Magazine June-July 2020 | Page 13

“It was crazy, but good,” he said. “We have been very thankful to have the community rally behind us and keep us going this whole time.” Since Beshear announced the re-opening guidelines, Vaughn said, each one was individually his goal to get the doors opened up. “I have been watching other states ahead of time to see what was going to be expected,” he said. “We have been planning for a month, so we are very much ready. We were making sure that we were ready to re-open right out of the gate, and we have done too much to not.” And ready they are, having brought back almost all of their staff to gear up for the big day. Vaughn reported the restaurant has been working with the health department closely, and employees will be required to have a temperature check as well as wearing masks and gloves during their shift. With a normal 232-person capacity, Madison Gardens can seat up to 129 total customers into the space with 76 seats available inside (33% capacity), and 53 seats available on the patio. For the customers who plan to dine there, the Gardens (as it is monikered) has rules of its own for their Proud Mary’s BBQ has enough outdoor seating to accommodate 400 guests, a plus under social-distancing dining restrictions. loyal patrons to follow, such as only one party being allowed in the doorway to await seating. If the restaurant is at capacity, the party’s phone numbers will be taken and contacted when an area is ready. Additionally, there is no bar seating, no groups of 10 or more and only one person allowed in the bathroom at a time. In terms of masks, the governor said to wear them when out at restaurants, but that it is the discretion of the patron to utilize their personal protective equipment. Although Vaughn said these are different times, the Gardens will be serving up the same good food, drinks and atmosphere they have been for 35 years. Like Madison Gardens, Proud Mary’s BBQ, located on the Kentucky River, opened its doors the first day allowed at 33% capacity. With five acres and outdoor seating to accommodate 400 guests, the barbecue and seafood restaurant said its first weekend back was very busy. “It was extremely busy,” said Tommy Walters, an owner of the restaurant. All of the tables outside of the restaurant are spaced six feet apart, and employees are required to wear gloves and face masks. Some of these new requirements have been a somewhat difficult adjustment according to Walters, having had two employees pass out in the heat with their faces being covered. “We had to call two ambulances,” he said. “It is really hard on businesses, and it is hard on the staff.” And although it is more challenging, Walters said his employees are happy to be back. � Arcadian Cove is now offering modified tour options through many digital platforms such as: WhatsApp, Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, & Google Duo. And as always, these tours can be done on your schedule! � Call, Text, or Email for details! 859-544-4016 [email protected] 859�624�0022 532 Cady Drive, 40475 www.ArcadianCoveLiving.com June- July 2020 Madison Magazine 13