Malls and retail stores across Georgia began reopening this month after a lockdown order was issued by the state in March because of the coronavirus outbreak. The shelter-in-place order by Gov. Brian Kemp expired at 11:59 p.m. on April 30.

Mall owners across Georgia announced reopening plans that included new safety protocols designed to help fight the spread of COVID-19 infections. Simon Property Group planned to open malls in Georgia on May 4th, including Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza (pictured) and the Mall of Georgia.

Simon Property’s message on its website indicated, “We now expect to open in the first half of May, based on current state and/or local stay-at-home or closure orders which are subject to change. Our safety protocols have been reviewed and approved by experts in epidemiology and environmental health and safety.”

Other retailers or malls opening up stores include Macy’s Inc., Greenbriar Mall, Brookfield Properties’ North Point Mall in Alpharetta and Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody, and Tanger Factory Outlets Centers Inc. plans to reopen Georgia sites in Commerce, Locust Grove and Savannah by May 15.

Gov. Kemp, in collaboration with the Georgia Restaurant Association, allowed restaurants to start opening up as well. Nine Mile Station at The Roof at Ponce City Market was set to open this week, and Landry’s Inc. reopened dining rooms at all of its Georgia restaurants last week. The restaurant chain’s brands include Chart House, Del Frisco Double Eagle Steakhouse, Del Frisco Grille, Joe’s Crab Shack, Morton’s The Steakhouse, McCormick & Schmick’s, The Oceanaire Seafood Room and The Palm.

Other Georgia restaurants opening include Ray’s on the River in Sandy Springs and Ray’s at Killer Creek in Alpharetta. Buckhead Life Restaurant Group also is reopening its restaurants for delivery and take-out only at its brands, Corner Cafe, Atlanta Fish Market, Pano’s Seafood Market, Chops Lobster Bar, Kyma, Price, Bistro Niko and Buckhead Diner.

*Photo courtesy of Simon Property Group

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