During the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve been following the fortunes of an iconic Evansville restaurant, Kipplee’s, as the owners adapt to stay in business.
Tuesday, a festive atmosphere filled the dining room at Kipplee’s as many employees were back on the job for the first time in six weeks.
With funds from the federal stimulus Paycheck Protection Program due to come in the next few days, Kipplee’s owner Matt Klees decided to bring his workers back this week.
Klees said, “We’re still all nervous, we’re still worried about everyone’s health, but it’s a big weight off my shoulders having this payroll help. Not just my shoulders, but I’ve got forty employees that it’s going to help with their everyday lives tremendously.”
With the restaurant’s dining room and bar still closed, workers are deep cleaning the entire building and taking turns helping with a brisk takeout business.
Klees said they're getting ready to re-open, but he hopes that local, state and federal officials don't make the move too soon. He said he and his workers don't want to have to endure another time like the past month and a half.