Oregon patrons come out for reopening of bars, restaurants

Around a dozen people sat and ate and drank at Sledgehammer’s in Oregon shortly after it reopened for the first time in 10 weeks on May 29.

Owners Jason and Melissa Stombaugh received nearly 250 reservations for the bar’s weekend that included live bands. Sledgehammer’s new deck was unveiled and equipped with an outdoor bar, social distancing signs, hand sanitizer and a portable bathroom.

“All of our tables are pretty much reserved,” Jason Stombaugh said. “They’re at all different times. The last couple of days it’s been a scramble getting everything together. It’ll be hit or miss. I think people are still scared to come out.”

Picnic tables were placed in front of the deck 10 feet apart and fenced in. The food menu for the night was simple, burgers and mozzarella sticks.

One of the bar’s vendors wasn’t able to come through in time for opening. But with everything going on, the simpler it is, the better, Melissa said.

Jason and Melissa both wore masks reading “Pritzker sucks” and Jason dressed as a prisoner outfit bearing the Governor’s name. Jason felt that Pritzker was “intentionally” trying to keep businesses closed during the COVID-19 shutdown.

“I’m glad things got turned around,” Jason said. “It’s not about us having to be closed. I have a construction business. I’m glad we’re open but I didn’t need to be. It felt like our rights were being taken away.”

Robb and Terri Basler sat with drinks on the upper level of the deck. They were drawn out by the fresh air and nice weather, as well as wanting to help small businesses that have been closed.

“Eating out is something we do sporadically,” Robb Basler said. “Now, it’s something about supporting local establishments. This place has only been up for a year. You almost feel like it’s your civic duty to go and do it.”

3rd street

Jimmy and Kris Martinaitis sat in Oregon’s S. 3rd Street municipal parking lot area and ate Hazel’s for breakfast Friday morning. Later, they came back for pizza and beer from Cork & Tap.

“We love to support local people,” Jimmy said. “We support each other. I think it’s going to change. But this is acceptable and doable for now. We love the beer and we miss the beer. But we miss the people more.”

Kris marveled at how quickly the businesses and city put together the outdoor dining and drinking area that included a fence, tables, chairs and a sanitizing station. The weather was a deciding factor in the couple coming out.

“It’s a beautiful day,” Kris said. “We love to sit outside. It almost feels like it’s a holiday. Or when prohibition ended.”