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Handyman Keith Veer of Milledgeville nails in a piece of sheeting Friday afternoon at Johnny's in Sterling. Many businesses are taking advantage of their COVID-19-induced down time to do some remodeling. (Alex T)

By BY CODY

Drive by Johnny's Bar and Grill in Sterling and you'll notice it isn't closed.

The restaurant at 707 Freeport Road still is serving up its signature Greek-style pizzas and American fare. Customers can come inside and pick up their food, but they can't dine in, thanks to the COVID-19 restrictions.

So owner Johnny Alimi and his son and co-owner, Ilir, are taking advantage of the empty dining room to do a little remodeling.

"It's a turning-lemons-into-lemonade-type thing," Ilir said. "Everything, pretty much. New floors, new walls, new trim. It's all going to look updated."

New panels and trim are being put up, as well as new brick wallpaper. Some painting is being done, and new lights are coming, also.

"It'll be a lot brighter than what it was," Ilir said.

Bushy's Bar and Grill in Lyndon also is doing some home repairs.

The restaurant, which is offering curbside service for the time being, is updating restrooms and redesigning the bar counter, which requires some sanding and paint. Large plastic tarps cover stools stashed upside down on the tables.

Owner Alan Bush, who also runs Bushy's Slots and Alan's Automotive, both in Erie, planned these repairs but didn't have a timetable – until the virus suggested one.

"This just happened to be a good opportunity, since we are closed for dine in," manager Brandi Fisk said. "We have not had any problems finding the stuff we needed for these projects."

Repairs should be done in the coming weeks, Fisk said.

Mama Cimino's in Dixon also is doing some work: The restaurant at 104 S. Peoria Ave. is expanding, utilizing former office space.