The resort had originally planned its restart for July 6, but with Gov. Phil Murphy's postponement of indoor dining, plans changed.

Just days before the practice was set to resume in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy announced that the restart would be put on hold indefinitely – leaving restaurateurs with losses due to ordered food, rehired employees, and preparing establishments to adhere to strict guidelines.

Three owners, David Burke, Tim McLoone and Joshua Suggs, joined NJBIZ for a discussion about how the industry can survive and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

A restaurant owner could allow a form of the service only where the establishment can open up half of its wall space “on two sides to the outside.” "Fixed roofs with two open sides. That's going to be considered outdoor dining,” the governor said Wednesday.

In the suit, operators including AMC Theatres, Cinemark and Regal Cinemas argue their venues are no different than churches and other religious buildings, which are allowed to be open in the state.

The furloughed union and non-union workers will now receive health benefits through the end of July.

The seaside casinos had been shuttered since March, due to COVID-19.

While the Borgata said it would delay its restart, Resorts Casino Hotel says its doors will open on Thursday, with modifications including pick-up at its indoor restaurants, food and beer trucks, and an outdoor bar area.

Cinder Bar is setting up shop in Evesham Township.

“Our guests expect a special experience when they come to our property and if we cannot provide that level of hospitality, we feel it best that we remain closed until such time that the governor lets us know it is safe to offer food and beverage,” Borgata’s parent company, MGM Resorts International, said in a Monday statement. 

The $159,000 in grants were funded by donations from the suppliers of Fedway Associates, Tito's Handmade Vodka, and Jim Beam Brands Co.

Late Friday evening, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a directive outlining what the return to indoor dining, which is set to kick-off July 2, will look like in New Jersey.