Legends Bar and Grill closed for at least two weeks, owner pleads others to do the same

 

BEATRICE - The popular Legends Bar and Grill in Beatrice made the decision to close its doors to the public on Monday, and they'll be closed through at least Mar. 30.

The owner is now pleading all others to do the same, and switch to carry out/pickup/deliver services only.

Ron Tegtmeier closed his doors immediately after President Donald Trump and Nebraska governor Pete Ricketts recommend that restaurants close their dining rooms and limit public gatherings to 10 or less people.

"My demographic is people who really want to sit down and enjoy dining," he said, "so, we decided to close immediately."

The second case of community spread COVID-19 was confirmed in Douglas County on Wednesday, which prompted mayor Jean Stothert to essentially force Omaha bars and restaurants to stay open for take out and pickup services only. The Douglas County Health Department Board issued an order Wednesday that all gatherings of more than 10 people is prohibited until Apr. 30. The city of Omaha is also in a state of emergency for at least 72 hours.

Tegtmeier has been in close contact with other restaurant owners in Beatrice - many of whom met at Valentino's on Wednesday afternoon to discuss their own plans of action. Tegtmeier is encouraging, if not pleading, all restaurant owners in Beatrice and the surrounding area to take the government's recommendations more seriously.

"There are small towns that really don't care," Tegtmeier said. "Not caring is going to kill people. Offer curbside (pickup), offer whatever you have to do. You have to be a responsible adult in any type of business. Therefore, you have to do what has to be done to save lives at this point."

Tegtmeier said he's working with his staff on takeout/pickup services. Legends hopes to offer "full dinners to go." The menu will be fairly limited, but Tegtmeier said he'll work to offer several items like steak, or shrimp scampi on Fridays for those who observe Lent.

Lunch carry out hours will be 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Dinner take out will be from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

You can call Legends of Nebraska orders in ahead of time at 402-806-4287.

Legends employs more than 20 people. Tegtmeier said he'll likely keep some people on to help him during this time, but ultimately, staff members will likely have to be let go - a stark reality for too many small business across the country at this time.

"Everybody here is like a little family," Tegtmeier said with a lump in his throat. "I cried when I had to say 'I love you all, but I can't help you. There's nothing I can do.' It's a crucial time in the world. It's all over. It's not like, I let my people go and they go somewhere else. They can't go anywhere else."

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @Tommy_NCN.