A Charlotte restaurant joined other businesses closing temporarily due to COVID
CORRECTION: The Observer incorrectly reported that O-Ku Sushi in Charlotte has temporarily closed. The Charleston location, not Charlotte’s, is closed Saturday and Sunday.
A Charlotte steakhouse joined a list of other businesses that closed temporarily citing COVID-19 concerns, while several venues canceled New Year’s Eve plans.
Oak Steakhouse on Sharon Road in SouthPark said on its social media sites that it has closed until further notice. The restaurant is part of the Charleston-based restaurant group Indigo Road.
The temporary closing was “due to staffing concerns because of a recent spike of COVID cases,” according to the restaurants’ social media sites.
However, a staff member who answered the phone Friday afternoon said Oak Steakhouse planned to resume operations Friday night.
On Thursday, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported 18,571 new COVID-19 cases, the highest single-day jump in cases since January.
On Thursday, Rocksalt Charlotte on Brandywine Road canceled plans to extend its hours for New Year’s Eve. The restaurant is open until 10 p.m.
“Our half-price oyster happy hour has also been canceled for Friday evening, but will resume on Saturday, Jan. 1. We apologize for any inconvenience,” the seafood restaurant said on social media.
Other temporary closings
Several other Charlotte businesses also temporarily closed this week amid the spike in COVID-19 cases related to the omicron variant, CharlotteFive reported.
Lunchbox Records music store on Central Avenue closed Monday to test its employees after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19 and planned to reopen Wednesday.
NoDa Bodega also closed for five days to clean after a couple of employees tested positive for COVID. It planned to reopen Wednesday.
Moxie Mercantile also closed Tuesday after several team members missed spending the holidays with their families because of COVID-19 concerns. The boutique shop plans to reopen Tuesday, Jan. 4.
Venues cancel or change celebration plans
Some Charlotte venues also canceled or changed plans for ringing in the new year, CharlotteFive reported.
Comedy Zone Charlotte canceled its upcoming New Year’s shows with Jeff Dye after several staff members tested positive for COVID.
The Avett Brothers postponed its show at Greensboro Coliseum.
NoDa Company Store squashed New Year’s Eve party plans but remains open for regular hours.
SouthBound’s Masquerade NYE requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within the previous 72 hours.
And, last week, VBGB Beer Hall and Garden and 8.2.0 Event Space, under the same owners, canceled New Year’s Eve party plans.
This story was originally published December 31, 2021 at 11:02 AM.