Center for Disease Control Releases Federal Guidelines for Restaurant Reopenings

The Center for Disease Control has quietly released its latest federal guidelines for standardizing the logistical process of reopening businesses, including restaurants. The guidelines were previously shelved by the White House after its necessary health and safety recommendations were deemed too onerous by a Trump Administration eager to reopen large swaths of the American economy.

The new standards are not a mandate or a law, but rather a loose framework of suggestions for things like hygiene, sanitation practices, and social distancing within physical spaces — including an increased focus on outdoor dining. The guidelines also discuss a reduction or elimination of things that could be passed between customers, like condiments and menus. Meanwhile, the state of California has released its own restaurant protocols, and now some restaurants in places across Northern California, including Napa, have begun to come online.

And in other news:

— Howdy’s is returning to Malibu, reports the Malibu Times. The family behind the restaurant took more than three years off to fight for justice in the murder of their daughter in South Africa.

— Check out this rad new cart from the Minibar Hollywood team, which will be rolling between Minibar on Franklin and little Dom’s in Los Feliz on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the afternoons and early evening. That means on-the-go boozy slushies, martini shots, and more.

—Grand Central Market is now selling merch as a way to stay afloat, reports TimeOut Los Angeles.

— Sports bars across Southern California are in for a rough ride, reports LA Times staffer Gustavo Arellano, who spoke with the owners of Kelly’s Korner Tavern in Placentia.

— There’s another new pizza pop-up happening, this time in Altadena. The wood-fired pizzas from Side Pie come from a pair of restaurant veterans, including one Roberta’s Brooklyn alum.

— Local LA restaurants get a big takeout feature from Buzzfeed’s popular Worth It series, with Kogi, Ototo, and Spoon by H receiving highlights from the hosts who film and eat at home.

— LA Times co-critic Bill Addison discusses his renewed love for Vespertine during the takeout times, as chef/owner Jordan Kahn transitions to a mix of elevated to-go dishes and Southern comfort classics.

— Sage Vegan Bistro is opening today in Agoura Hills for takeout, keeping hours from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.