WAUKESHA – Less than a day since announcing on social media it had reopened, Sobelmans Pub & Grill has temporarily closed again after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

The restaurant, located on Williams Street at the edge of Waukesha’s downtown commercial district, updated its status on its Facebook page early Friday.

Its decision to close wasn’t mandated, but a personal decision to remain cautious, its owners said.

“Despite being told by the Waukesha County Health Department that we can remain open, we have decided to close Sobelmans Waukesha temporarily due to a staff member testing positive for COVID-19,” the restaurant said on Facebook. “Our remaining staff, who have been wearing face masks as a precaution, have been referred to the (Waukesha County) Health Department and we will not reopen until everyone is cleared — the health of our staff, customers and community is paramount.”

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Only hours earlier, on Thursday afternoon, Sobelmans happily announced it had reopened. The restaurant officially reopened on Tuesday, May 26.

In a followup message via Facebook Messenger Friday afternoon, restaurant managers confirmed the employee was not sickened at work. Overall, the worker, who was not identified, was doing well, under the circumstances.

“The employee is not ill and is at home self quarantined,” said co-owner Jimmy Dakolias in response to questions, confirming that only one employee had tested positive for the new coronavirus.

No timeline was set for the eatery’s second reopening, pending completion of certain protocols.

“Once we coordinate with the health department and make sure all employees are cleared we will reopen,” Dakolias said.

Sobelmans is the second Waukesha restaurant this week to announce an employee had tested positive for the virus.

On Thursday, Casa Tequila posted that it had also closed temporarily.

“We regret to inform you that one of our chefs at Casa Tequila Waukesha has been diagnosed with COVID-19,” the Mexican restaurant said. “As a precautionary measure and in consideration for the health and well-being of our associates and patrons, we have decided to close our Waukesha location for a few weeks.”

The closings correspond to a rise in positive tests in Waukesha County this week for COVID-19.

Contact Jim Riccioli at (262) 446-6635 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @jariccioli.

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