Editor’s note: This story will no longer be updated, as on Tuesday, March 17, Gov. Roy Cooper announced a mandate closing all dining rooms at 5 p.m.

States across the country have mandating restaurant closures, with the exception of takeout, to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. North Carolina hasn’t yet seen such a mandate, but restaurants are beginning to shut their doors voluntarily. —Kristen Wile

5Church and Sophia’s Lounge
All locations of 5Church as well as Sophia’s Lounge will close temporarily. “This has not been an easy decision for us or one we have taken lightly, but we cannot ignore the advice of local, state, federal, and global health officials,” the restaurant said in a statement.

Carpe Diem
This mainstay Elizabeth restaurant announced Monday it would close until the end of March, then reevaluate. “Over more than 30 years in business, we have survived three moves, endless road construction, and a host of other challenges,” the restaurant shared in a statement. “We are in it for the long haul and want all of our customers to stay in, stay safe, and come back to celebrate with us when this has passed.”

Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen
Cooking classes are on hold, as is Saturday brunch at Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen. Expect the classes to come back in an online form soon, however.

The Crunkleton
The members-only cocktail bar in Elizabeth announced that it was closing temporarily, but they intend to continue paying employees. They asked members to consider purchasing gift cards to help the restaurant maintain some cash flow.

Haymaker
Executive chef and owner William Dissen shared that his restaurants will all close immediately through at least the end of the month. “This has proved to be very difficult decision, and frankly the hardest of my career, but ultimately the right decision — for everyone involved,” Dissen says. “We are an industry leader and it is important to set the example for our colleagues and industry peers to do the right thing in the midst of this crisis.”

Rare Roots Hospitality
Dogwood Southern Table, Dressler’s, Fin & Fino, and The Porter’s House announced they were temporarily suspending service on Monday. “While much uncertainty around COVID-19 remains, the responsibility that we have to our guests, our staff, and the greater Charlotte community is clear: do what we think is best,” owner Jon Dressler said in a statement. “We’ve been closely monitoring what they experts are saying, and we believe that this now means closing our doors temporarily.”

Seoul Food Meat Co.
South End has been the location of many photos on social media showing crowds of people ignoring recommendations of social distancing, but Seoul Food Meat Co. is following in the footsteps of nearby Sycamore Brewing in closing. “We need, as a local and global community, to do everything we can to stem the growth of this virus,” the restaurant posted on Facebook. “Closing protects not only our staff and customers, but also our parents and grandparents, first responders and the healthcare providers that are essential and do not have the choice to take time off. This was not an easy decision to make and certainly not without its consequences to us as a business and to our staff who are the heart of this operation. This is not the time for half measures and cynicism. Now is the time to lead by example.”

Zeppelin
The South End restaurant announced a 15-day temporary closure on Instagram, reminding followers to follow the advice of health professionals.

 

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