Months after criticizing Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision to allow bowling alleys and restaurants to reopen, The Comet Pub & Lanes will open its doors to everyone Friday.
The Decatur-based eatery and bowling alley reopened for reservations in mid-June before closing down again due to the resurgence in COVID-19 cases across Georgia in early July, General Manager Jessica Sasser said. However, she’s now comfortable reopening and expanding services to allow walk-in guests.
“It’s based on having a lot more information and knowledge on the virus,” she said. “Knowledge on what cleaning solutions help kill the virus and the (safety) methods that are most effective, not just for our staff, but for our customer base.”
The reopening announcement said the bowling alley has undergone a deep cleaning and will require masks and social distancing outside of rented lanes. Sasser said that deep clean included a sterilization of the building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
Following the governor’s reopening announcement in April, the bowling alley posted on Facebook and its website that its management disagreed with the decision, citing safety concerns due to COVID-19.
“While we are quite eager to return to The Comet, we disagree with the governor that it is now safe to do so,” the post said. “We feel that it is too early in the progression of the pandemic to invite staff and guests to gather, socialize, and bowl together.”
While closed down, Sasser started a GoFundMe page for the establishment’s staff. The page raised more than $5,700.
“We set up the GoFundMe to help out a staff of — at the time — 36 employees,” she said. “We were able to supply each employee with a sum of money to help them buy groceries and things like that.”
In addition to the thorough cleaning, the reopening announcement said that every other bowling lane will remain closed to help maintain safe distancing. Since 16 of the the 32 lanes will be closed, Sasser said the staff was cut to 12 people.
All equipment and surfaces will be sanitized between uses, and hand sanitizer will also be available throughout the building. Staff members are also reorganizing bowling leagues, which are expected to begin in October.
“We want to stress the importance that we are taking this virus very seriously,” Sasser said. “We in no way think it’s over, but we want to provide a fun, safe time for people who want to support their local businesses.”
The Comet, which boasts a 1950s' flair, will offer dine-in services and refreshments in addition to on-line takeout and delivery service for food and beer.
The Comet, located at 1458 Church Street in the Suburban Plaza Shopping Center, will reopen at 5 p.m. Friday with new hours:
• Closed Mondays and Tuesday
• 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursdays
• 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays
• 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays
• 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays
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