WAYLAND, Mich. — While indoor dining throughout the state remains closed for at least another two weeks, a local casino has made the decision to reopen its dining and bar services on Friday.
RELATED: Read the latest epidemic order keeping indoor dining closed until at least Feb. 1
Since Gun Lake Casino is situated on tribal land, they are not required to follow state regulations, only federal ones.
The casino said after voluntarily closing its indoor dining and bar services eight weeks ago, they've been monitoring numbers and risk level and have determined it is safe to once again reopen.
"We were one of the first, if not the first tribal casino in the country to voluntarily close back in March. We’ve been a very good partner ensuring that the community stays safe," said Gun Lake Casino's Assistant General Manager Carter Pavey.
It has been eight weeks since Gun Lake Casino made the decision to voluntarily close its indoor dining and bar services.
"The tribe has their own health and human service department who work very close with local county officials, state officials and even federal officials. We are constantly monitoring the numbers and the data that is going out there," said Pavey.
They say that data has shown them that it is safe to reopen both cafe and buffet services as of Friday with safety precautions.
"The restaurants are at half capacity. Not only have we reduced the number of bodies, but we pulled out a bunch of tables and seats. All of the tables are spaced out at least six feet apart from each other so that has been in effect throughout the entire summer," said Pavey.
In addition, the casino will have team members serving the buffet instead of self-serve to prevent spread in that area, and there will be one big difference guests will see.
"We are going to be requiring reservations to help control the guests coming so there is not guests waiting in line and whatnot," said Pavey.
In just the food and beverage area, the casino said they employ around 250 to 300 people who will be able to come back to work with the exception of those who have already been helping with extra cleaning efforts.
"We’re very aware and conscious and mindful of the pandemic, and we want to be the best ambassador to the community to do everything we can do to protect," said Pavey.
The casino's cafe will open at 11 a.m. Friday while the buffet is scheduled to open at 1 p.m. Reservations are required. You can click here to make one.
Bar services will also resume and will follow normal state regulations with last call at 1:30 a.m.
SEE MORE: Ban on indoor dining extended to February 1
SEE MORE: CORONAVIRUS IN WEST MICHIGAN