Editor's Note: Our interactive map was updated at 12 p.m. May 6.

Governor Greg Abbott's new executive order allowing certain businesses to open at 25% capacity on May 1 is a permission slip, not a mandate.

In between the governor's announcement April 27 and the May 1 open-for-business date, many Central Austin restaurant owners let their customers into their thought process on social media.

Community Impact Newspaper spoke to some of those restaurant owners, such as Nervous Charlie's co-owner Chris Cunningham, who said opening up would not be as easy as throwing open the doors. Instead, Cunningham said, the ownership team would need to take time in oder to put in new safety protocols and systems place to protect owners and customers.

On Instagram, Banger's Sausage and Beer Garden owner Ben Siegel wrote that his "plan is to make a plan," although he agonized over the decision.

"The very thing that’s saving lives, staying home and doing nothing, is also the very thing that is slowly killing millions of small businesses and the jobs they create," Siegel wrote.

Gelateria Gemelli owner Andy Sabola had similar thoughts.

"We are citizens before we are consumers," Sabola wrote in a message he directed toward Abbott on Instagram.














































A post shared by Gelateria Gemelli (@gelateriagemelli) on Apr 29, 2020 at 9:43am PDT




Not every business owner came to the same conclusion. Lonesome Dove, which has a location in downtown Austin and has been preparing community meals for those in need, decided to open its doors on May 1.

The opening will adhere to the limitations set by Abbott—25% of the capacity of the space—in addition to some other protocols.

Customers will be temperature-checked at the door and will be turned away if they have a fever. Menus will be single-use, and staff members—who also will have their temperatures checked before their shifts, will wear protective equipment.






















Cheers to SAFETY! This shot of fresh squeezed Florida orange juice is delicious and Is symbolic of the spirit and practice we plan to honor every day. It’s a reminder that a key way to fight any illness is through good nutrition, rest, exercise and essential vitamins that keep us healthier. While we are extremely excited to reopen our restaurants, we wanted to share details of our new safety protocols. I’m very proud of, and grateful to, our experienced and highly capable management team who has helped sustain our team through this very difficult shutdown. With reopening, come new ways to operate our business to keep both our guests and staff as safe as possible. . Effective Friday: 1. All staff will be tested daily for temperature before and they begin working. 2. All staff will wear a face mask at all times. 3. All menus will be single use. 4. All tables will be cleaned with single use antiviral sanitizing wipes. 5. All guests will be temperature-screened at the door. Any guests who do exhibit a fever will be kindly turned away and recommended to seek medical attention. All guests who are cleared will be offered a complimentary welcome cocktail or nonalcoholic drink! . Additional safety protocols include: Single use paper bags for guests’ masks to be stored while they dine, specified waiting areas with tables a minimum of 7 feet apart and our communication with our guests will be completely transparent regarding any incidents concerning covid-19 . WE ARE EQUALLY COMMITTED TO OUR EMPLOYEES’ AND GUESTS’ SAFETY. . We can’t wait to welcome you back, feed you well and safely serve you again!



A post shared by Lonesome Dove Austin (@lonesomedoveaustin) on Apr 30, 2020 at 12:11pm PDT




Community Impact Newspaper's review of more than 90 restaurants that publicly announced their plans found that 75 Central Austin spots have decided to hold off on opening, 12 opened in some capacity May 1 for dine-in services and two plan to open within the next week—that represents 86% of restaurants choosing to wait rather than opening May 1.

According to a survey by the Texas Restaurant Association of more than 400 restaurants statewide, 56.61% of restaurants are choosing not to reopen or are unsure if they will do so over the next week.

Find more on which restaurants are planning to open in early May and which have announced they will take more time in the interactive map below. Community Impact Newspaper staff will update the map as opening plans come into focus for restaurant owners. Please email [email protected] to get in touch with our newsroom.