CARTERVILLE (WSIL) -- It's been more than a week since Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced restaurants and bars would need to close down their dine-in services to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the region.
News 3 returned to some businesses choosing to stay open to keep afloat.
"We aren't trying to be controversial in anyway. We just need to stay open," says Kevin Borum, Owner of KB's BBQ.
KB's BBQ in Marion says they are not trying to cause any trouble, they just want the opportunity to continue working.
"We have to stay open and we have to continue to keep the people employed. Our employees have bills to pay and like many people live paycheck to paycheck," says Kevin.
Kevin and Michelle Borum say that the community has been extremely supportive and some folks have driven for hours to come and dine-in.
"We're just extremely humbled and grateful for the outpour of support that we've enjoyed in this time," says Kevin.
Cindy B's in Murphysboro is another restaraunt recieving tremendous support from community members.
"Business is booming honestly. The amount of love and support that the community has shown it's unbelievable," says Jacob Heiple, Representative for Cindy B's.
Heiple says they've even recieved letters from people out of state.
"I don't know. Day to day you don't see that and then all the sudden something like this happens. It's neat to see all the, how much people care, you know, what you're doing," states Heiple.
Heiple says so far they haven't recieved any new pushback from the health department. "They decided that they would not be enforcing that. They still recommended that we close down but they would not be coming to take our license and they haven't still yet."
Heiple says even though they're allowing indoor dining they're still following safety protocols. "Still only 25 percent capacity. We're wiping all the menu's, the tables, everybody's socially distanced. If there's a wait we have people wait outside and then call them when they can come in. Every rule is being followed as far as the safety measures are concerned."
Both restaurants wish the thank the community for their continued support amid the crisis.
