Running M back to normal business hours
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic bringing businesses to a screeching halt, the Running M Bar & Grill has managed to keep moving.
Owner Marlene Metzler said that despite this temporary setback, the local hangout, which has hosted many a happy patron over the years, is back open full time once again.
Metzler said that the bar/restaurant’s hours had been reduced from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. before reopening from 5-8 p.m. The business is now back to its original 11 a.m. to midnight schedule.
“Once the business was closed to dine in, I had to let about 22 employees go. We never did close our doors totally, we just altered our hours,” Metzler said.
“That was the kitchen only, Monday through Friday,” Metzler said. “We prepared orders for delivery and also for pick up. We have several businesses that have us prepare 50 plus meals for them on a weekly basis so that they can take care of their employees and feed them without trying to leave for lunch and find a place to eat.”
Metzler noted that as soon as Gov. Greg Abbott allowed the 25 percent capacity reopening, the Running M did just that.
“The employee loss was very difficult,” she said. “A few were able to find employment elsewhere and they remain there today, and a few have returned back to work at the M. There were days that I wondered why I was open and then the next day would be great, so all in all, we survived.”
Metzler said there were customers who frequent the place who were very generous and thoughtful during these difficult times, and that she believes they went above and beyond to help out in any way possible.
“Some even showed up to come and help when we finished the wood floors,” she said. “Something I will remember always is the caring that was shown. We are getting [back to] our normal hours. This is something we have changed and may keep changing, we just have to follow our customers and see what will happen.”
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