Chip and Joanna Gaines outline plan to reopen Magnolia, sister businesses
Chip and Joanna Gaines have set new safety guidelines at Magnolia Market, their popular Central Texas food destination, ahead of its reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"We are ready to welcome you back starting June 1. While you've been gone, our team has been preparing to make your return as safe and enjoyable as possible," the "Fixer Upper" stars wrote in a statement titled "Together Again" on both their website and social media.
Magnolia Market, its restaurant, Magnolia Table, and its next-door neighbor, Silos Baking Co., will not operate at more than 50% capacity inside the buildings. Social distancing will be highly encouraged by six-foot separation floor indicators, one-way-flow floor plans, and contactless payment. All staff will have daily healthy screenings, and are required to wear masks and gloves at all times, according to the statement.
Although Texas is not requiring the use of facemasks, according to ABC affiliate KTRK, the Gaineses still urged guests to prioritize safety by wearing a mask and maintaining appropriate distance.
"The City of Waco does not require [masks], but we invite those who have a covering to please wear it while visiting us," read the website.
The Texas stay-at-home order was lifted on April 30 and, as of May 1, all restaurants, retail stores, movie theaters and malls are able to reopen at limited capacity, according to Gov. Greg Abbott.
Established in 2015, Magnolia Market and its restaurant counterpart, Magnolia Table, has become a popular tourist destination within Central Texas.
In 2019, "Magnolia Market reported 1,445,357 visitors, which is 27,795 visitors per week," Carla Pendergraft, the director of marketing for the Waco Convention and Visitors Bureau, told "GMA."
"We are grateful to be a part of this community and will continue to do all we can to look out for one another. We look forward to seeing you in the days to come," said the Gaines' statement.
