UPDATED: COVID-19 business closures and restaurant operation changes

March 18, 2020

UPDATED: 14:08 p.m., Monday, March 23

211 of East Texas is now operating a toll-free number, staffed by medical professionals and call specialists who can help make the decision whether you should get tested for COVID-19 at your closest medical facility. Individuals who feel they may have been exposed to COVID-19 are asked to call 2-1 -1 and select “Option 6.”

The Cherokee County Public Health Department is not providing testing for the coronavirus (COVID-19.

If you have symptoms which include fever, cough and shortness of breath, call your local doctor. If you do not have a doctor or medical insurance, call 211 for more information on COVID-19 and testing available near you.

COVID-19 testing is limited. We recommend if you are sick but not in any distress, you go home, self-isolate and treat your symptoms. Signs of distress or emergency warning signs include, but are not limited to difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure and or new confusion or bluish lips or face. Anyone having any of these symptoms of distress, seek medical help or call 9-1-1.

Local Texas National Banks have closed their lobbies to the general public until further notice. The banks' drive through lanes will be open during normal operating hours.

"If you need to personally have a face-to-face visit with a bank representative, please contact your local branch to make an appointment," bank officials said. "We encourage our customers to use our mobile app and online banking when possible."

Lindsey’s Lazy L BBQ in Alto is urging its customers to call in food orders.

“We will be more than happy to deliver it to your car… or you can come in to pick it up,” Lindsey said. “We have also made the decision for a week or two to not have our all you can eat buffet but we will be offering our Lunch Plates all day.

“Thank you so much for understanding for we so appreciate our customers and want to help keep everyone safe.” Call (936) 858-4468 to order.

Local Subways will shut down their dining areas, beginning Saturday, March 21. Call-in and walk-in orders are being accepted as take-out meals.

Dyess Processing is open for business and working hard to meet your processing needs. We are still taking orders for processing and are currently working on booking for the week of May 4. (This is changing quickly.) We still have cattle and hogs for sale to be processed custom for you. We do not sell meat, we are a custom processor and only offer processing for the owner of that animal.

“We continue to keep our cleanliness standards very high as always, we are working hard to take care of all of our loyal customers and appreciate all the new customers we have talked to, we are here for you guys,” business officials said. “Thank you for supporting our local small business!”

Cherokee Ranch Golf Club in Jacksonville is still open to members and the public.

“We are taking precautions and hope that each one of our visitors will do the same, so that we can continue with everyday play,” club officials said. “Wash your hands and come play golf!”

The club is still taking sign-ups on three tournaments coming up.

“Two of these – the Keith Radcliff Memorial tournament and the annual Scholarship tournament -- are for a great cause and a chance for a high school student to earn a scholarship and the Tomato Classic is in support of the Tomato Fest,” club officials said. “So let's get some teams signed up y'all!”

Call the pro shop with any questions or to get signed up, (903) 541-4700.

Sylvia Mae’s Soul Food has closed its dining area, but is still offering meals for pick-up or delivery.

Effective Friday, March 20 Wells Best Donuts is offering curbside pick-up service only. Hours of operation have changed to 6-11 a.m., until further notice. Call (936) 671-1077 to place orders.

In order to maintain the health and well-being of its employees and customers, access to the Commercial Bank of Texas (CBTx) in Wells has been temporarily restricted.

“We are still prepared to provide Texas-style service to you,” a statement from bank officials said.

The bank’s drive-through continues to be open during normal hours. Appointments can be made by phone, (936) 867-4171; or email jshumaker@cbtx.come or bgehrt@cbtx.com.

Customers are also urged to use the bank’s ATM and online banking services.

Highland Lanes Bowling & Fun Center in Jacksonville has closed until further notice, "due to the rising concern of the COVID-19 problem, not being able to get supplies we need and for the safety for our families and elderly that have underlying health issues," according to Center officials.

Chapman Pharmacy Inc in Rusk is now offering free curbside delivery. Drive up, call inside (903-683-2422) and let us know you’re here, we’ll bring it right out! But that’s not all – we are also offering free home delivery for residents inside the city limits. Call and let us know what you need filled and delivered and we’ll bring it to you.

Jacksonville Wal-Mart's temporary hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily, with the first hour dedicated to senior citizen shopping. The location’s pharmacy will be open until 9 p.m. The store continues to offer free curbside pick-up for orders made online at www.walmart.com.

Both Rusk and Jacksonville McDonald's locations will be providing take- out only options from the drive- throughs and inside their locations, as of Tuesday, March 17. This means our lobby is not available for eat- in customers. We are providing these options as a way to comply with the CDC and the WHO as our number one priority is the safety of our customers and crew members. As a locally owned and operated business we understand the uncertainty and fear surrounding this event. We love this community and are here to provide a safe and sanitary eating environment.

Jacksonville Pizza Hut dining rooms are open at 50 percent occupancy for your 6-foot social distancing. The drive-through and delivery services is also available.

Pizza Hut-Rusk’s hours have changed. It will now close at 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Porter Pharmacy in Jacksonville has closed its lobby. We can get most of our prescription medications; however, some front-end products are limited. Please be patient with us during this time as many people are utilizing our drive-through more.

We will remain open via the drive-through only and we will assist you with your front-end product needs.

Watch for updates on our Facebook page or our website, www.porterpharmacytx.com.

Brookshire’s grocery stores, including the location in Bullard, are encouraging customers to allow the first hour of operation be dedicated shopping time for senior citizens, effective immediately.

“We are asking for your help in honoring this practice and in moving any senior guests to the front of the check-out line throughout the day,” store officials said. “Additionally, the stores are offering a temporary daily discount of 5 percent to seniors through May 5.”

All Smiles Dentistry in Jacksonville has closed the office through March 31. Staff is available to answer questions and to schedule dental emergencies as needed.

Beverly’s Country Café is open for take-out only as the restaurant has closed its dining area. Hours are the same. Daily specials remain the same.

As of now KBJS 90.3 FM is still on the air live in the mornings with Randy Featherston and still streaming its teaching programs daily; and music and teaching programs on the weekends.

“We are attempting to partner with local churches that are organizing “delivery ministries” for the community and will make that information available on the air as soon as we have it,” station officials said.

Dehart Veternary Services is doing business as usual every Sunday at Farm and Ranch Feed store, 209 S. Bolton, Jacksonville.

“We are taking proactive precautions for our clients,” service officials said. “For surgeries and shot/wellness clinics, we are asking everyone to pick up your paperwork and give the Dehart tech your phone number, then return to your car to complete paperwork. Staff will text/call you when it is your turn to check your pet in.”

Treasure Cove Mall Antiques, Collectibles & Gifts will remain open “until the government informs us that we have to shut down.” Hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 118 E Commerce St., Jacksonville.

The city of Canton has decided to close First Monday.

"The safety of our citizens, vendors, visitors, and employees remains our highest priority," Canton Trade Days said in a statement. "Closing First Monday due to COVID-19 was a hard decision because it supports more than 1,000 entrepreneurs and local merchants who rely on this market for their livelihood. But, we feel closing the April 2-5 Trade Days is in the best interest of our local community and the thousands of folks who come from all over the country to sell and shop at First Monday, Canton. We want to help fight the spread of this virus and hope you join us in our efforts."

Apex Cinema-Jacksonville announced the movie theater is currently closed to the public but intends to reopen Wednesday, April 1.

“The health and wellbeing of our communities where we serve are vitally important to us,” cinema officials stated. “We have made the decision to close all of our locations, effective immediately.”

Cinema officials will be contacting anyone with a scheduled event to help reschedule.

“As always we look forward to serving you and provide you with a clean, fast, friendly and affordable entertainment experience," officials stated.

The Daily Grind coffee shop in Rusk is offering free curb side delivery. Drive up and park, call the shop at (903) 683-1500, and we’ll bring it to your car.

“The safety of our customers and employees are top priority to us,” shop owner Rachel Loden said. “We can ensure we are disinfecting and sanitizing every inch of the shop. We are taking cleanliness to the next level! As of right now, we will remain open to continue to serve our community.”

Legend’s in Jacksonville is offering curb-side service in response to the COVID-19. Call the restaurant to place orders, and again when you arrive and Legend’s staff will gladly bring your to-go order to your vehicle.

Due to COVID-19, UT Health Jacksonville’s cafeteria will be closed to the public until further notice. The cafeteria will still be available to patients and staff.

The Children’s Clinic of Rusk will stay open during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. We ask that parents with children who have fever and/or flu-like symptoms to call ahead to set up a telemedicine appointment if needed.

La Frontera & Mariscos 7 Mares are open for the moment, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday. To go orders can be made by calling (903) 284-2664 or online.

All-Star Bar-B-Q in Rusk is providing carry-out services only, effective Tuesday, March 17. Due to evolving circumstances concerning the Coronavirus outbreak, the eatery will not have dine-in services available for the foreseeable future. Customers are urged to call ahead for orders.

Area Whataburger restaurants have closed their dining rooms for the safety off guests and staff. The drive-through windows at both the Rusk and Jacksonville locations are open for business.

Kinfolk’s Country Cooking in Gallatin will provide meals for pick-up only.

DeLeon’s in Wells (normally open Wednesday-Saturday) will close this week.

The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce compiled this list of places residents can still get some of their favorite food:

• Antonjito | Wed–Sun 10am – 10 pm | Dine In and to go orders | 903.330.3796

• Break & Bread | Mon-Fri 8am-6pm or Sat 9:30am-4pm | Dine in or carry out | 903.589.8604

• Catfish King | Mon–Sun 11am – 8pm | Dine In and Drive Thru | 903.586.6550

• Chicken Express | Drive Thur only | 903.586-2100

• Chili’s | To go and curb service available | 903.589.0202

• Commerce Street Drafthouse | Wed-Sat | Dine in and to go orders | 903.541.2141

• Cosina Mexican Food | Mon–Sat 8:30am – 7pm | Dine in and Drive-Thrus | 903.589.4923

• Dairy Queen – S. Jackson | 903.541.2141| Drive Thru

• Domino’s | Sun–Thurs 10:30am– 12 midnight and Fri–Sat 10:30am–1am | Dine In closed – Drive Thru and delivery open | 903.330.6066

• Jacksonville Donut Shop | 903.586.2835

• Jersey’s Mike’s | Mon–Sun 10am – 9pm | Only Carry Out | 903.339.1271

• Kiepersol-Bullard| Restaurant Pick up available for call ahead orders | 903.894.3300

• Los Regios Mexican Restaurant | Mon–Sat 11am–9pm and Sun 11am – 5pm | Dine In or Carry out | 903.339.6611

• Panda Express | Mon–Sun 10:30am–10pm | Dine in only for take-out orders or Drive Thru | 903.541.0338

• Rancho Grande | Sun-Wed 11am–9pm and Thurs–Sat 11am – 10pm | Dine In or Carry Out | 903.541.4920

• Ritual | Mon–Fri 8am–2pm | daily specials | Dine-In, Carry-out or Delivery call 903.284.6880

• Sadler’s Kitchen | 903.339.5350 | Takeout, curbside service and delivery | family orders to go

• Schlotzsky’s | 7 days a week 10am–8pm | Dine In, Drive Thru or Delivery | 903.339.3039

• Smith’s BBQ | Thurs-Sat 11am-8pm | Carry out only | 903.372.5652

• Sonic Drive-In | 903.586.3131

• Super Gallo | Dine-In, carry out | 903.589.7654

• Super Sno OPEN | Follow them on Facebook for hours and daily specials |

• Sylvia Mae’s Soul Food | Dine-In is OPEN | to go orders call 903.658.3122 | Open Tues–Sat 11am–8pm

• The Event Catering | Delivery and Special Family to go Orders | 903.571.6250

• The Patio Donuts | open 7 days a week 5am–1pm | Dine in or drive thru | 903.284.6442

• The Patio Seafood | Mon-Sat 11am-7pm or Sun 11am-3pm | Dine In or Drive Thru |903.339.6193.

• Wendy’s | open 7 days a week 6:30am-11pm | Drive Thru only | 903.541-0918

• Wingstop | Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm or Fri-Sat 11am-12pm | Carry out only | 903.284.6224

• Yamato | 903.284.6820