Diners flock to restaurants in Valencia, Norco that have opened for sit-in services despite state orders
Crazy Otto's diner in Valencia and the Original Pancake House in Norco both saw customers over the weekend who were eager for a sit-in meal.
VALENCIA, Calif. (KABC) -- Over the weekend, folks drove long distances to sit down and have a meal at two Southern California restaurants that have resumed dine-in services against Gov. Gavin Newsom's orders.
UPDATE: The restaurant posted on its website that it has "been forced to temporarily close." According to the Santa Clarita Valley Signal, the L.A. County Department of Health posted a closure notice, citing among other things a violation of the county's safer-at-home orders.
Crazy Otto's diner in Valencia reopened and many people were seen inside the restaurant, practicing physical distancing, despite the fact that the state has yet to specifically authorize dine-in restaurants to reopen for service.
Many were also seen at the Original Pancake House in Norco. Megan Kikugawa, owner and co-operator, said the past two months have been brutal for their businesses, with sales down more than 80% during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Customers who visited for a meal this weekend said they wanted to support local business and be around other people.
"We got in our car and drove 45 minutes to get here and it was well worth every bit of it. There's nothing like seeing people enjoying a nice breakfast," said Tim Adams of Calimesa.
He said restaurant patrons were practicing physical distancing inside.
Local authorities in Riverside County have said that while they want businesses to reopen, they can't do anything if state authorities step in.
"We can't help them when the state comes after them," said county Supervisor Karen Spiegel. "Especially if you're talking licensing, cosmetology, medical, the ABC, is nothing that the county can help them with. They may get in hot water, and we can't help them."
