Downtown Beaufort’s Panini’s on the Waterfront has taken some serious measures over the last few weeks to make extensive improvements and facility renovations to help guard customers and employees against the threat of Covid-19.
Over the past several weeks, Panini’s owner Paul Thompson has implemented changes and has taken several new safety measures at the restaurant.
Panini’s has installed all new HVAC systems and then went a step further by installing a new UV Sanitizing System into all of the building’s new HVAC units to kill all airborne pathogens and contaminants. In addition, the restaurant has had all of its duct work completely cleaned, sanitized and sealed.
The new measures have meant that the restaurant was forced to close for several days over the past few weeks to have the extensive work done, but Thompson doesn’t seem to mind.
“We have to do everything we can to protect our customers and our employees,” Thompson said. “People are afraid to go out and enjoy themselves, and we hope this will help them feel a bit easier and safer when visiting our restaurant.”
In addition to precautions already in place such as social distancing and table spacing, Thompson has also gone further. He has implemented additional procedures at Panini’s including health checks when every employee arrives at work. This includes a visual inspection, a questionnaire and taking employees’ temperatures. Thompson has also designated an employee on each shift to sanitize all common areas inside and outside and has provided additional training to all staff members.
In addition to those changes, Panini’s has also committed to the Palmetto Priority Program and follows these tight guidelines:
- Hand Sanitizing Stations for guests and employees
- Every employee must wear mask
- Sanitizing Wipes supplied around restaurant
- Every employee food handler must wear gloves
- Gloves changed regularly
- Frequent Hand Washing
- Extra Sanitizing of tables and chairs after each guest (Covid-19 approved sanitizer)
- Employee Training Certification Covid-19 precautions and procedures
- DHEC virtual inspections
“We don’t want anyone getting sick and we want everyone feeling as comfortable as possible when dining with us,” Thompson said.
“This is our community, and we all have to play our part in insuring everyone’s safety.”
