The restaurant put up a Facebook post Tuesday, letting customers know the restaurant would be closing at 2 p.m. today. Bray says it’s to keep staff working in the kitchen safe. But it’s just another blow – after the pandemic forced them to temporarily close last year – along with the uncertainty of the winter months.

“You never know when that crazy storm is going to come, and you will have to shut down,” said Bray.

Erin Justen with Billy’s Bar and Grill in Anoka – says the restaurant is leaving the patio open, but bar service will only be available inside. 

"We made the decision to close down the patio bar because of the excessive heat warning," said Erin Justen. "Customers can still sit out here as they please, but we’re not subjecting the bartenders to being out here in the heat multiple days in a row.”

Bray says she’s looking toward a long-term solution for her restaurant. “If we’re talking about serious changes to our environment that will persist over years, we reached out to an engineering company to see what we can do to improve our air conditioning,” said Bray.

To support the needs of not only customers, but her employees. “Our community has done so much to support us, we have to remember our employees are a part of that community,” said Bray.