Shenanigans Adjusted Business Operations Statement

Responsible Re-Opening Plans & Commitments

Sewanee— Monday, April 27, 2020 — Today, Shenanigans, in cooperation with Governor Bill Lee’s gradual phasing-in of re-opening Tennessee businesses and overall economy, will re-open for on-premise dining, as well as continued and expanded takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery services. Customers are encouraged to continue using Shenanigans’ takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery services as their primary way of patronizing the restaurant at this time. But starting today, we will begin phasing in on-premise seating, beginning with our outdoor seating areas. Additional seating will be made available in the coming days based on strictly enforced social distancing guidelines in consultation with the CDC, the FDA, the TN Dept of Health, the Tennessee Pledge, the National Restaurant Association, and the Sewanee Business Alliance.

Shenanigans takes very seriously the current pandemic, and as you will see, will institute new and sweeping operational procedures to ensure the safety of our employees and customers. All employees that have agreed to work during this time, and through this new change in current operations, have all expressed a deep desire to return to work, and to safely provide the beloved and positive Shenanigans experience to Sewanee and its surrounding communities, even if in a new and heavily restricted way. They, like I, want to get about the task of very slowly and carefully figuring out this new normal, and how Shenanigans will feel and operate in that new normal, until we can someday get back to the bustling and beautiful vibe that Shenanigans is known for far and wide.

A Word About Grace

We know that personal opinions vary greatly regarding businesses’ decisions right now. Please know that Shenanigans’ motive is the “same as it ever was:” to provide food and drink service in a relaxing and fun atmosphere to our communities; and to provide a safe, equitable, and enjoyable work environment for our employees. We will not compromise the safety of any guest or worker in any way, and we will continue to institute more and more policies, equipment and directives as we learn how to best offer the safest environment that we are capable of providing. If during this transition, things move in a direction where any of the above is compromised, or if we see our tri-county area start to have greater vulnerability, we will take swift, proactive steps, reversing course if necessary. We are willing to take the lead in this effort of providing a safe place at which our cherished guests can begin to feel comfortable being out in the world together again, albeit six feet apart.

Every individual has a different way of coming to terms with the advent of the coronavirus. Every business will also have a different way of dealing with it. We feel a responsibility to our community and to our employees that guides our decisions, with safety and public health as our cornerstone.

If you disagree with our decision, please know that we are still here for you for your takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery needs until you are comfortable in the new public environs. We also understand if you decide not to patronize Shenanigans at all during this time. We will happily welcome you back when you are ready. We would politely ask that in your disagreement, you extend us the courtesy of allowing us to try and figure this out, knowing that it is a very difficult task that we are undertaking for our community and employees, and that we are painstakingly making adjustments daily to provide greater safety and assurance. Please also do us the courtesy of voicing any concerns, disagreements, suggestions or other input directly by emailing goodtimes@shenanigans1974.com, or by calling Bill at 615-308-6426, which will get you individual attention promptly.

Also know that if people do not follow our new house rules, we will respond: by refusing service or re-entry, or to close down again. This effort is incumbent on our customers as much as it is our employees. We are serious about our new rules. We will be meticulously focused on making sure that everyone adheres to them; and that we are providing safely the new Shenanigans experience to those who need it in the spirit of caution, safety, respect and professionalism.

We love our Sewanee community, our surrounding communities, our Nashville, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro, and Atlanta communities, our alumnae community, and our consummately loyal Shenanigans devotees stretching across this country and around the world. We cannot adequately express the depth of gratitude to all of you who have supported us during this time, and in times past. Our hope is that that love and support is reciprocated every time you walk in this happy place. We reopened Shenanigans in 2014 because we couldn’t bear the thought of a world without it. It just didn’t make sense. In that same spirit, we undertake yet another great challenge as part of our continued efforts in keeping things right with the world. See you at Shenanigans. YSR