SUMMIT, NJ - Shut down for two-plus weeks due to multiple positive COVID-19 cases among its staff, Roots Steakhouse in Summit is set to reopen November 28. Harvest Restaurant Group Owner / CEO Chip Grabowski confirmed via email to TAPinto Summit that the restaurant will, indeed, reopen for business and operate per to its normal business hours of:
Lunch
11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Mondays - Saturdays); 12 - 4 p.m. (Sundays)
Dinner
4 - 10 p.m. (Mondays - Thursdays); 4 - 11 p.m. (Fridays and Saturdays); 4 - 9 p.m. (Sundays)
The restaurant closed on November 12 amid reports of several employees testing positive for the virus, the circumstances of which became a hot topic on social media. The City of Summit and the Westfield Regional Health Department issued a health advisory stating that any persons spending time in the bar area at Roots in Summit November 3 - 12 were advised to obtain a COVID-19 test, and that those dining in another part of the restaurant or outdoors were advised to consult a physician.
According to Grabowski, guests returning to the restaurant will encounter some new protocols. All guests will have their temperature taken and also be required to answer the following questions:
- Have you traveled in last 14 days?
- Do you have any of the (detailed) COVID19 symptoms?
- Have you tested positive for COVID in the last 14 days?
- Have you been in close contact with anyone who tested positive for COVID?
Grabowski also noted the restaurant is in the process of setting up a testing program for staff members. Earlier this month, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy instituted indoor dining curfews as the state's COVID-19 numbers spiked to record levels.
