Bennigan’s in Steubenville closed after employee tests positive for coronavirus

STEUBENVILLE -- Bennigan's is closed temporarily after an employee tested positive for COVID-19, franchisee Franco Carapellotti said Thursday.

Carapellotti said no other staff members are experiencing symptoms, "but we are currently working with the Jefferson County Health Department to monitor those employees."

"There are still a few dominoes that need to fall, but I'm assuming that we'll be open by the end of the month," Carapellotti said. "We want to make sure all of our employees fulfill the 14-day quarantine obligation before returning. We've been working closely with the health department to coordinate the return to work plan for all employees who had close and sustained contact with the employee."

In a Facebook post, Health Commissioner Nicole Balakos said Bennigan's was cooperating "and providing access to what we need to do … contact tracing."

"If you were a customer there this week (June 10-15) and did not have close and sustained contact with an employee (unmasked for over 30 minutes outside or 15 minutes unmasked inside) there is not a reason for excessive personal concern," she wrote. "All employees of every business (have been) directed to be wearing masks to protect you. Bennigan's staff interviews have indicated compliance with this while working in the 'front of the house' with the public."

Carapellotti said they decided to take a cautious approach and close "so that we can continue to provide the safest experience possible for our guests and employees." While it's closed, they're having the restaurant sanitized as a precaution.

"It's frustrating to have this happen, but we aren't going to sacrifice the well-being of our customers or employees so we'll be patient and do everything we need to do to reopen in a way that allows our guests and employees to feel comfortable coming into the restaurant," Carapellotti said.

On the Bennigan's Facebook page, meanwhile, Carapellotti said they were thankful the infected employee "was responsible and informed us so that we could take action immediately."

"Upon reopening, which we hope to announce in coming days, we will continue to follow all CDC and state recommended social distancing and safety guidelines.," he added.