What’s closed + what’s open in Kannapolis under boil order for E. coli concerns
A Friday boil order over E. coli found in Kannapolis’ drinking water has led restaurants to close all over the area, although a few businesses remain open for service.
A city notice posted online Friday said: “Kannapolis Water Resources Department crews have determined contaminants that carry E Coli bacteria were found in the drinking water of the City. The City’s processes of cleaning and treating our drinking water should have eliminated these contaminants with no detrimental issues for the public.
“However, per North Carolina regulations we are informing you that the contaminants were found and we are flushing and treating all city water to further ensure the contaminants are eliminated.”
Further testing to ensure the water is free of contaminants was expected within 24 hours.
Here’s a look at what’s closed and what’s open as of Friday afternoon.
Kannapolis closures during boil order
Towel City Tavern — a beer, bourbon and barbecue joint in downtown Kannapolis — is among the businesses closing Friday. It shared via Instagram: “The safety of our guests and staff is our top priority. While the City is actively flushing and treating the water system and expects this to be a short-term issue, we agree it’s best to pause operations out of an abundance of caution.”
Management at Vibez Bar and Grill said the sports bar near I-85 and Cloverleaf Parkway would also close “out of an abundance of caution. “The health and safety of our guests, staff, and community means everything to us. We are taking this matter seriously and will remain closed until we are fully cleared by the Health Department,” its Instagram post read.
Also closing were Girl Grind Beverage Co., a drive-through beverage and snack shop in Kannapolis, and Chophouse 101, a steakhouse that posted: “Your safety and our standards are our top priority, and we are unable to operate without safe water.”
Where to eat near Kannapolis amid boil order
Area residents looking for a bite to eat can head to Gibson Mill, a food hall that gets water service from the City of Concord. “Gibson Mill is not in the area of notice and it is safe to use our water,” an Instagram post noted.
Gaelic Alley Irish Pub, a bar on Kannapolis’ Main Street, was among the spots that planned to remain open, sharing via Instagram that it will serve beer, shots and cocktails until 1 a.m.
Nearby Gem Theatre will also remain open, with plans to use “bottled water, sodas, and bagged ice, as well as hand sanitizer available in all restrooms,” management shared.
Melissa Oyler contributed.
