Jasper, GA-Local Jasper businesses expressed concern about reopening after Governor Brian Kemp lifted some restrictions on Georgia businesses earlier this week. Read what he said here.

For Rob Jarrett, manager of 61 Main, they are waiting to see the guidelines Kemp has in place.

“We’re going to continue what we are doing for at least one more week,” he said of the restaurant, which is offering to-go and online ordering Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Jarrett said they didn’t want to get ready to re-open only to have to revert back to the current situation.

“We don’t want to get ready to re-open and have to close again, so at least one more week of take out,” he said.

He said initially, the popular restaurant closed for two weeks, then reopened for take out orders.

“We have completely changed our business model,” he said.

They went from working six days a week to working three and their hours changed to 1-5 p.m. to accommodate lunch and dinner orders from the regular 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. hours.

Despite having to change everything, Jarrett said they have discovered somethings they may keep. The restaurant has been selling cold quarts of soups for people to heat up.

“If the demand is high, we may continue to offer that,” he said.

They are also working with a vendor on online ordering.

“Our phone line just rings off the hook, we don’t know how many people we are missing, so we’re going to try it,” he said.

Business levels are down from what they typically are, but Jarrett said it’s not enough of a downturn to cause concern.

“It’s worth us being here three days a week. We have an amazing, very loyal fan base,” he said.

It’s that fan base who have put the word out and brought in new diners.

“Our loyal repeat customer business has been very generous, we can’t thank them enough,” said Jarrett.

He encourages everyone to check their Facebook page for updates.

For Designs on Main owner, Carrie Roland, the quarantine meant almost a complete shutdown.

“We went online and sales were good, but it’s not the same as being in the store,” she said.

Hopefully, she can open her doors on May 1, offering plenty of hand sanitizer and shopping by appointment.

Right now, she is working to get the store cleaned and inventory taken care of in the small, family owned business that specializes in home decor and gifts.

Roland said sales are down close to $25,000 from this time last year, but prior to all non-essential businesses closing, her numbers were growing.

“So, it’s probably closer to $35,000,” she said.

She said her business didn’t qualify for the loans and grants offered to small businesses because those programs are based on the number of employees.

“We have one employee and some contractors,” she said. “I’ve laid everyone off, so I’m the only one working.”

She said she’ll bring more employees once the doors open, but for now, she’ll continue as is. For updates, sales, and shopping by appointment, check here.