COLUMBUS, Ohio - A German Village-area restaurant owner who planned to open Friday for dine-in eating has reversed his decision.
If Valter Veliu, owner of Valter’s at the Maennerchor, had opened the restaurant it would have defied the state's order.
Veliu said his business has drastically slowed due to the closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said desperation led to his original plan of opening on May 1 with only allowing people to visit with a reservation and having only five tables available due to social distancing.
By Friday, Veliu canceled the grand reopening and any reservations.
"My attorney told me they have the authority to lock you for a long time, just shut you down [and] destroy you for a long time," Veliu said.
He said the risk of losing a food and liquor license was too great especially when he thought of his employees.
"They will not have what they have. They will have to start and look for other jobs and I could not make this decision alone."
He said he will continue to offer carryout but is still desperate for an update on when he can resume his dine-in service.
The Ohio Restaurant Association sent a draft of reopening rules to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, hoping for a reopen date of May 15.
The ORA also requested a two-week notice before any reopening.