Must Read Alaska has learned from two sources that the mayor has directed Municipal Light and Power to shut down the power supply for Kriner’s Diner, the little cafe on C Street and Fireweed Way that has refused to shut down, despite Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’ Emergency Order 15.
MRAK reached Andy Kriner this afternoon, and he said the power was on, but that he learned that if he was not closed down by 4 pm, ML&P would shut off electricity, per the mayor’s direction.
Kriner’s court date was today, and Judge Eric Aarseth told him that he must obey the order of the mayor to close his inside dining operations. Outdoor dining and curbside pickup is still allowed in Anchorage, but indoor dining is forbidden under the mayor’s rules. The judge stated the order has the weight of law.
Kriner said his diner is not a good location for outdoor dining since it is on a busy, noisy intersection, and the food he serves is not a fit for take-out.
[Read: Judge says Kriner’s must close]
Kriner remained open long after the court hearing and closed by 3 pm because the cafe was running out of food.
The establishment has been popular since the mayor’s shutdown orders went into effect on Monday and has run out of inventory every day this week.
Kriner said he planned to open on Saturday morning, as usual. He also said that ML&P workers were spotted on his property today near his outdoor freezer. Friends of Kriner’s were rounding up generators on Friday and rumors were flying on Facebook.
Also today, Wings and Things had a stop-work order taped to its windows. That restaurant, too, has defied the mayor’s orders to shut down, as has The Red Chair, Jackie’s Place, and Little Dipper Diner. At the airport, restaurants continue to serve indoor dining, as they are on property owned by the state.
Jackie’s Place wrote on Facebook:
I have had conversation. I have my loyals that come every day. I have been on top of what it has taken to stay open. Open, close, 25%, 50%…..
I’ve had some days to think about this. I have spoke with folks, with Andy, and many others….this morning, my staff.Â
Today we will take a stand with what we feel is fair …
Masks upon entering please….
We will be open for business 8-2 today.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy weighed in on the current status of Alaska hospitals and COVID-19, with this message on Twitter, in an apparent attempt to quash the fear-mongering about hospital capacity.
