KENDRICK, ID — “You still have your retirement, you’re looking at two people that cashed theirs in” said Christine Lohman Kendrick Hardware Brewing Company. “And we’re not criminals, my patrons are not morons, we’re not morons, we’re clean and healthy. This is a productive people in our society, and they want to be allowed to go back to work and be productive.”
Despite Idaho Governor Brad Little’s order for restaurant dining rooms to remain closed for about two more weeks, one business in Kendrick is back open.
The owners of Hardware Brewery have the support of patrons, and elected officials including Idaho State’s Lieutenant Governor.
Patrons of Kendrick’s Hardware Brewing Company flocked to the popular establishment over the weekend from all over.
“Moscow, Sandpoint, there’s a table right here from Saint Maries,” said Christine Lohman owner.
People not only hungry for good food and drink, but for what they call liberty.
‘They're here in support of us, not just because they want to get out of the house,” said Doug Lohman owner.
“These are other Americans that want their liberty back,” Christine explains.
“They're here because they agree with us taking a stand,” said Doug Lohman.
Taking a stand, they say, in order to survive. The Lohmans’ poured their life savings into this business. They are frustrated with Idaho Governor Brad Little’s “Stay Healthy” order.
“We don't believe in any of this. we are just as clean as the kids at McDonalds serving your food or the people in Costco or Walmart or at the Maverick Station,” said Christine Lohman.
But according to Governor Little’s four-stage plan to reopen, restaurant dining rooms have to wait until at least May 16 or June 13 to reopen and that’s after plans have been approved by the local health district. Plans the Lohman’s don’t agree with.
“Their manner would make this building look like a morgue,” said Christine.
For example, instead of a full dining room Christine said they would be required to remove some tables in order to limit the number of people inside.
Idaho Lieutenant Governor Janice McGeachin, along with other elected officials traveled to Kendrick to also stand alongside the Lohmans. Lt. Governor McGeachin said people can manage themselves and are already following guidelines.
During the reopening event, an Idaho State Police officer told the owners he’s documenting their violation of the governor’s order.
“So, we either open now and I guess they could make us go bankrupt or pull our licenses but if we don’t and we run it the way they are telling us to, we will be bankrupt quietly in three or four months,” said Christine Lohman.
