Bridgewater Begins To Reopen: Here's What You Can Expect

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — After being cooped up inside for the past three months Bridgewater residents may be itching to get outside. Shopping and dining will look a little different than in the past. Here is what you can expect:

Gov. Phil Murphy slowly began to ease coronavirus restrictions and started opening up the economy with outdoor dining on June 15. He most recently announced indoor malls can reopen on Monday and indoor dining can also reopen on July 2.

"The food and beverage industry is not only a cornerstone of Bridgewater's commercial sector but provides an outlet for individuals and families to get out of their houses and enjoy themselves," said Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench. "I have full faith in confidence in our business community to reopen in a safe and responsible way. I will be among the first in line to visit one our great Bridgewater restaurants when indoor dining resumes on July 2."

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Malls

The Bridgewater Commons mall, on Commons Way in Bridgewater, will reopen Monday while following the state's guidelines for restarting amid the coronavirus, a spokeswoman with the mall announced. It will be open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The mall will issue specific social distancing guidelines in the coming days.

Some of the state's guidelines for malls include: Mall employees and customers must wear face coverings while on the premises; Valet parking, vending machines, stroller rentals, and any type of communal play area will be closed; All areas with communal seating shall be removed or cordoned off. Read More: Bridgewater Commons To Reopen Monday With Social Distancing Rules

Indoor Dining

Restaurants will also be able to offer indoor dining for its customers on July 2. The state will release full guidelines for indoor dining in the next few days.

Many restaurants such as Cafe Emilia, at 705 Route 202, and Chimney Rock Inn, at 800 Thompson Ave., are already preparing to open for indoor dining at the state's mandate of 25 percent of capacity at all locations.

"We are looking forward to reopening our dining rooms to our loyal customers. Our current services (takeout, delivery, outdoor dining) will continue throughout the summer without change," Chimney Rock Marketing Coordinator Tyler Grimm said.

Applebee's, at 640 Promenade Blvd., will also be opening "with a safety-first mindset to create an enjoyable in-restaurant dining experience for all guests."

The franchise has created new protocols for safe service that follow CDC and FDA guidelines as well as local and state mandates. Team members and managers have been trained on these new safe service protocols, which include:

• Maintaining a 6-foot distance at all times inside and outside the restaurant;
• A dedicated team member is following strict and regimented cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing procedures;
• Throughout the meal, team members have no bare hand contact with any guest-facing items;
• Team members wear face coverings and follow strict protocols for handwashing and health checks;
• Hand sanitizer is readily available throughout the restaurant;
• Plexiglass has been installed in all restaurants to separate the different areas of the restaurant.

Outdoor Dining

For those that may still uncomfortable heading indoor for dining, here is a list of restaurants in and around Bridgewater that offer outdoor dining rooms and takeout:

• 22 West Tap & Grill, 1601 Route 22 West: Open Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Call 732-627-5012
• Alfonso's Trattoria, 99 W Main St, Somerville: Call 908-526-0616.
• Bridgewater Diner, 1244 Route 22: Call 908-725-8118
• Chimney Rock Inn, 800 Thompson Ave.: Open at all three of their locations, in Bridgewater, Flemington and Gillette, with seating for about 40 to 50 people at a time.
• Green Knoll Grill, 645 Route 202: Call 908-526-7090
• Houlihans, 1288 Route 22 East: Call 908-252-1300
• Lobster Alley, 18 W Somerset St., Raritan: 908-566-6414
• Mama Rosinas, 350 E. Main St.: Open Monday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday noon to 10 p.m. They have a full menu and cocktails. Call 732-805-3377.
• Mannion's Pub and Restaurant, 150 West Main St., Somerville: Open Monday to Sunday 4 to 9 p.m. Call 908-203-0700.
• Redstone American Grill, 400 Commons Way: Call 908-685-1333.
• Seasons 52, 410 Commons Way: Call 908-203-9952.
• Thai Kitchen Bridgewater, 1351 Prince Rodgers Ave.: Call 908-231-8822
• Top O The Hill Tavern, 1182 Route 202/206: Call 908-658-4256.
• Wolfgang Steakhouse, 119 Main St, Somerville: Call 908-541-0344.

Did we miss a restaurant? Let us know. Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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