Players' Retreat to reopen, but only vaccinated guests allowed inside
When The Players' Retreat reopens its doors again on June 23, it will only be allowing vaccinated guests to dine inside.
The restaurant and bar, which is celebrating its 70th year in business, announced its reopening plans on Tuesday, noting its staff is fully vaccinated. The restaurant will be open for indoor and outdoor dining, but only fully vaccinated guests will be allowed to dine indoors.
"We miss our community and are really looking forward to welcoming everyone back to a safe space to gather at The PR," owner Gus Gusler said. "The pandemic completely changed how we do business, and we are placing these temporary policies in place to keep our team and guests safe. My wife, Doris, several of our employees and a number of regular guests have severe respiratory issues – keeping them safe and away from any risk is our top priority."
To ensure that guests are able to book seats inside, the restaurant is registering fully vaccinated guests on Tuesday, June 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. and providing them with a button to present when they dine. Those who attend the registration event will have a chance to win a $1,000 PR gift card or a full membership to the restaurant's PR Single Malt Club.
In addition to its new vaccination requirements, the restaurant also noted some changes made inside since it closed its doors more than a year ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant installed new igniter technology in all HVAC units to kill any viruses and has replaced the street-side outdoor glass with collapsible walls and windows to allow for more ventilation.
The Players' Retreat's new hours will be Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
The PR is hosting a Pfizer vaccination clinic on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. for anyone ages 12 years and older. Everyone getting vaccinated will receive a $20 gift card to the restaurant and be entered to win a $1,000 gift card or a scotch club membership.
The PR was founded Feb. 27, 1951, by Bernie and Mickey Hanula. In 1994, Pete Jarrell took over ownership. He was succeeded Gusler in 2005.
Just a few weeks before the restaurant closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, Gusler appeared on the WRAL Out and About Podcast.
Gusler first walked through doors at the PR in 1967 as a freshman. "It was my place to come and drink beer," he said.
The PR is the 2020 WRAL Voters' Choice Award winner for best sports bar.
