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Franklin Barbecue, Sazan Ramen, Oseyo close their doors: Austin restaurants respond to omicron spread

Dozens of people from all over the U.S. gathered for Franklin Barbecue's pandemic reopening last month. (Laura Figi/Austonia)
After the first omicron cases in Austin were reported last week, some local restaurants have since followed the lead of other cities in preparing and, in some cases, closing their doors to gear up for a possible setback from the highly transmissible variant.
Last week, nightspot Cheer Up Charlies, 900 Red River St., became one of the first Austin businesses to react to the growing spread of the omicron variant by closing its doors until Dec. 30 in what was a "very difficult decision.” And on Tuesday, East Austin's iconic Franklin Barbecue announced it would again close its dining room doors after only a month of reopening in the pandemic; it plans to reopen its doors on Dec. 28. Others closing out of caution include Sazan Ramen and Oseyo.
In data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Monday, the omicron variant accounted for more than 73% of recent COVID-19 cases in the U.S. Across the country, restaurants have sent notices of temporary closures, citing positive tests and possible exposures among workers as seen locally at Japanese restaurant Kome and East Austin spot Full Circle Bar.
But closure isn't an option for all, and those deciding to stay open have three past surges to look back on how to best move forward with business.
At Olive & June, keeping staff safe is a priority of chef-owner Shawn Cirkiel, who says the Italian restaurant has helped staff with vaccinations and other protective steps. But they will be keeping their doors open.
“Historically, our restaurants have all had healthcare, from the dishwashers all the way through management for over 10 years,” Cirkiel told Austonia. “Anyone who’s not on healthcare, we help organize appointments and we just try to be really proactive and follow the CDC guidelines through mask policy and through encouraging vaccination.”
(Olive & June/Facebook)
Kelsey Streufert, chief public affairs officer with the Texas Restaurant Association, said that at this point in the pandemic, restaurants have the tools to combat the spread of COVID through vaccines and enhanced sanitation. Still, it goes beyond health concerns for service and hospitality workers.
Eater reported Monday one Houston bar that’s temporarily closed shared donation information of employees where people could leave Christmas tips.
This financial impact brought by a variant has been seen before. Streufert noted that in early September, as the Delta variant surged through Texas, 91% of restaurant operators saw a decline in customer demand for indoor dining. This trend could repeat itself with an omicron surge, which is hitting during the winter when outdoor dining is already less favorable.
“There's definitely some concern just because the last few years have been difficult and operators really can’t afford significant steps backward at this point,” she said.
That’s the case for El Naranjo Restaurant on South Lamar. While it had temporarily closed in the early days of the pandemic, Chef Iliana de la Vega said they’re a very small business and that measure isn’t feasible now.
“It’s obviously uneasy, the situation right now,” de la Vega said. She added that staff are mandated to wear masks and most have gotten the booster, but that it’s still not a perfect fix. “It’s not easy. I wish we could close, but we can’t. I mean, we cannot afford to close again.”
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Popular
(Gulfstream)
Elon Musk has placed an order for a new, top-of-the-line private jet: a Gulfstream G700, Austonia has learned. Delivery is expected in early 2023.
Billed as offering “the most spacious cabin in history,” the aircraft seats 19 and soars above the rest of us at up to 51,000 feet. Base price: $78 million.
The Gulfstream G700 was awarded the 2022 International Yacht & Aviation Award for excellence in cabin design this year. (Gulfstream)
According to the Gulfstream website, the G700 can fly up to 7,500 nautical miles without refueling, enough range to fly nonstop from Austin to Hong Kong. Powered by two Rolls-Royce engines, it has its own Wi-Fi system, 20 oval windows measuring 28” x 21”, and two lavatories.
The sweet new ride will replace his current top-of-line private jet: a 2015 Gulfstream G650, the aircraft that has been made somewhat famous by the automated @elonjet Twitter account, which tracks and reports his personal aircraft’s movements using public data.
Landed in Austin, Texas, US. Apx. flt. time 44 Mins. pic.twitter.com/jZ7HI0i4iV
— ElonJet (@ElonJet) June 24, 2022
Musk has repeatedly championed “free speech” as a guiding ethic in his planned purchase of Twitter. Last December, Musk offered the teenager who built the @elonjet tracker $50,000 to shut it down, citing security concerns. It’s still up.
According to the @elonjet account, Musk’s jet last traveled to Austin, where it’s been since June 23. The associated data says that his flight to Austin burned $2,573 worth of aviation fuel and discharged 4 tons of carbon dioxide.
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(Valencia Hotel Group)
Live music and beer? Say no more. With a location in Austin, and others throughout Texas, the court hotels by the Valencia Hotel Group have a new offering for weekend stays: Live Music & Longnecks.
Enjoy live music all weekend long and check out the hotels’ state-of-the-art amenities between sets. Make a splash in the pool, enjoy outdoor fire pits, or challenge your friends in a yard game while enjoying a weekend full of live music! Did we mention the package includes deluxe accommodations and a bucket of beer? Oh, and if you needed more convincing, this pet-friendly hotel means the whole family can join in on the fun.
The hotels
Explore any of the Court Hotels by Valencia Hotel Group for a memorable escape. Each property offers a unique experience remnant of yesteryear but with all of the modern amenities that make for a fun and comfortable stay. With acres of landscaped courtyards, relax and unwind in an outdoor environment perfect for doing everything or absolutely nothing at all. With locations in Austin, College Station, Irving, and Lubbock your urban retreat has never been so close.
The music
Locals and travelers alike are invited to enjoy the deep roots of Texas music all summer long with a robust lineup of live performances. From the banks of the San Antonio Riverwalk to Irving’s manicured streets, Valencia’s hotels are a place to gather and reconnect, offering uniquely Texan settings for the weekly performances.
“We’re proud of the community we’ve fostered among Texas musicians and the many rising stars who perform at our properties,” says Amy Trench, corporate director of brand marketing & PR for Valencia Hotel Group.
In Austin, you can catch good ol’ fashioned Texas country by Drew Moreland and Clayton Gardner, bluegrass by Reagan Quinn, and much, much more.
With unique programming at each of Valencia’s properties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy all summer long.
The perks
If you’re a Valencia Hotel Group Rewards member, the perks are plentiful. Enjoy up to 10% off the Best Available Rate, and for a limited time, members can save up to 15% off a stay of 2 nights or more, for select stays in 2022.
But that’s really just the beginning. At select locations, you can enjoy discounts on weeknight stays, a complimentary third night, or curated packages for a romantic getaway or a night of watching the Verde at Q2 Stadium. You’ll also find special rates for AAA and AARP Members, educators, and front-line heroes including military, law enforcement, fire, and rescue workers.