HERRIN (WSIL) -- A local restaurant owner opened his business to dine-in customers last week, only to have authorities change his mind.
"So we've been kinda going by what the politicians, on what our governor wants us to do," says Robert Newman of Newman & Company.
With sales cut in half, Newman decided to open for dine-in business Friday, but quickly shut down tables.
He explains, "We were open for about five minutes because we were told not too, but ever since then it's been exploding. Just the local support people driving here."
Newman says they're doing everything they can to keep their lights on and their doors open.
Customers say they don't understand why state leaders can't give owners more options to reopen.
Andi Jo Isom says, "We wear the mask, whatever precautions that we need to take, but I think southern Illinois needs to open."
Newman says the majority of his customers support him and those who don't aren't from Southern Illinois.
The restaurant is only continuing its curbside and take out options.
Newman says he's seeing an attorney and is considering legal action with other like-minded businesses.
