GURNEE – After 13 weeks, the owners of The Chocolate Sanctuary in Gurnee have reopened their doors.
Bill and Donna Collazo said in a letter to customers that the “quarantine days” gave them pause to reflect on ways they can better serve their patrons.
“We are proud to be a part of Lake County’s vibrant restaurant community and are pleased to welcome Chef Stefan Markov into the fold. He has made some amazing additions and enhancements to our menu,” they said in the letter.
The Collazos instituted some changes because of the COVID-19 pandemic:
• Masks will be worn at all times by all employees.
• Physical barriers have been installed where appropriate.
• All employees are following the physical distancing guidelines put forth by the state.
• All staff members are required to wash their hands every 30 minutes. Those handling food are required to change their gloves every 30 minutes. Servers who clear plates are required to wash their hands immediately afterward.
• Hand sanitizing stations have been installed throughout the restaurant.
• All menus are single-use.
• Enhanced cleaning and hygiene procedures and policies have been incorporated.
• Employees are being screened, including daily temperature checks.
• A sick policy, which always has been strict, will continue to be enforced.
• For brunch services, guests are asked to use hand sanitizer before enjoying self-service options. The restaurant will continue its practice of changing utensils every half hour. Distance markers have been installed, and the restaurant is allowing only one person or party on each side of self-service stations.
• For guests who would prefer to avoid self-service, the restaurant will continue to offer the option of having servers take the order and bring it to the table.
“We will continue to be vigilant and focused on keeping everyone safe during the “new normal” of the reopening process,” the Collazos said. “Yet we also realize that one of the most normal things in our lives is coming together with family or friends and enjoying a meal.”
The Chocolate Sanctuary is located at 5101 Washington St. in Gurnee. For information, call 224-944-0808 or visit TheChocolateSanctuary.com.