Dear Friends,
These past few months have been the most difficult during our 30-year history of doing business in Central New York. Out of concern and curiosity, numerous friends, loyal guests and valuable employees have wondered when we will reopen and how. We will resume limited operations as Phase 3 of the New York State reopening begins and we intend to fully comply with all state, federal, and CDC guidelines to maintain guest and staff safety.
While the nature of this industry is ever-changing, it has never changed as drastically as it has due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The concept of fine dining has taken a direct hit nationwide. While fine dining institutions from NY to LA are considering their options, most agree that to return to business as usual would be financial suicide.
We are happy to announce that we have formulated a plan to reopen gradually, combining operations with Lemon Grass and operating out of that location at 238 W. Jefferson St. We will reserve Citronelle for private functions until it is safe and financially viable for us to run both restaurants at full capacity. Our hope is that we can increase operations after New York State is fully open, but we are ready to adapt to whatever the future holds.
Lemon Grass, Bistro Elephant, and Citronelle will operate as one. We have decided on limited hours, limited capacity for dine-in options, socially distant outdoor seating, and curbside delivery. We will merge menu concepts to streamline service and to allow for socially distant staffing. We will implement all precautionary policies and measures outlined by the Onondaga County Health Department for your safety and ours. We will work diligently to bring you the exceptional food and service that you have come to expect and deserve.
We firmly believe that with your support of our transformation, we will continue to thrive and serve this community as we have for the past three decades. To have achieved and maintained success in this business is almost impossible, but making the right decisions helps you stay alive to fight another day. In the meantime, our staff, Pook, and I are eager to welcome you back as soon as the proper authorities give us the green light. Please feel free to contact us via email at citronelle.info@gmail.com or lgbe.info@gmail.com with any questions.
See You Very Soon,
Max and Pook