ARHA Statement on Gov. Ivey's Plan to Reopen Economy
Press Release • May 1, 2020
ARHA pushes to reopen Alabama Restaurants
(OBA®) - The Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association (ARHA) is devastated for our restaurants and their employees who are ready to go back to work. It is disappointing that the plan to reopen Alabama’s economy does not include restaurant dining rooms.
ARHA developed the Alabama Restaurant Promise, a plan to safely permit on-premise dining, based on guidance from the National Restaurant Association, the CDC, the FDA, and ServSafe. This plan, along with further guidelines, was provided to Governor Ivey’s office in addition to submitting similar plans to Lt. Governor’s Task Force and the Alabama Department of Public Health.
A study by the National Restaurant Association estimates that Alabama’s restaurant industry will lose $585 million in sales during April. Restaurants simply cannot sustain this continued loss of revenue.
Bob Baumhower, CEO of Aloha Hospitality and Alabama football legend, owns and operates 11 restaurants in nine cities in Alabama. He says he is fearful that he will have to close one of his locations after hearing the Governor does not intend to open dining rooms anytime soon and she did not indicate a date at which she will do so.
Bob Baumhower, CEO of Aloha Hospitality and Alabama football legend, owns and operates 11 restaurants in nine cities in Alabama. He says he is fearful that he will have to close one of his locations after hearing the Governor does not intend to open dining rooms anytime soon and she did not indicate a date at which she will do so.
Reopening a restaurant is a complex task that cannot happen on a day’s notice. Communicating a clear timeline, objectives, and requirements relating to reopening Alabama’s restaurants is necessary to instill confidence in consumers and provide restaurant owners with the ability to plan and effectively make decisions.
ARHA looks forward to working with Governor Ivey and other officials to facilitate the necessary steps to reopen for the future of the restaurant and hospitality industry in our state.
Share this article w/ Friends...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach will see a large emergency response presence on Monday morning, but officials say there is no cause for concern. The activity will be part of a planned training exercise involving city agencies. It will take place at Alabama Point near the east jetties at Perdido Pass. The dri
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is moving ahead with a series of improvements at its nature parks. The work includes new restrooms, a pavilion, and trail signs. City leaders also plan to seek grant funding for a boardwalk project at Wolf Creek Park. The projects are intended to make the parks more useful and accessible fo
Fort Morgan, Ala. — (OBA) — A major drainage project in the Fort Morgan area is now complete, and the timing could not be better. The Baldwin County Commission announced the completion of the Surfside Drive Drainage Improvements Project just as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season gets underway. The project was designed
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Fitness Center employee David Dale has been recognized for his strong work ethic and community spirit. He received the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber’s April 2026 Catch the Island Spirit Award. Dale is known among gym members for his early hours, friendly demeanor, and commu
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — A rough-toothed dolphin that stranded on a Gulf Shores beach was euthanized after experts determined it was in poor health. The animal was found alive near Sea and Suds, prompting a coordinated emergency response. Multiple local agencies and marine specialists assessed the situation.
Baldwin County, Ala. — (OBA) — A private developer worked with state wildlife officials to safely relocate several gopher tortoises in Baldwin County. The project shows that construction can proceed without putting protected species at risk. State officials say the effort highlights better coordination between regulat
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Riviera Utilities has announced it will offer free severe-storm preparedness sessions to the public. These sessions are available to neighborhood groups, businesses, churches, and civic clubs. The utility provider said its team wants to help neighbors feel more prepared for the season. The session
Robertsdale, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County’s housing market remained active through May, with steady buyer demand across multiple sectors. Data from Baldwin REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service indicate continued activity in both resort and traditional markets. While some areas saw fewer listings, overall pricing remain
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach sophomore MK McMullan has been named the 2026 MaxPreps Player of the Year for Alabama, following a dominant season that saw her help lead the Makos to their sixth consecutive state championship.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Heading into the weekend, Orange Beach Surf Rescue is warning of dangerous conditions, with waves expected this weekend and Double Red Flags likely flying. The alert comes after a busy start to the season, with hazardous surf showing up more often than not. Over the past two weeks alone,
