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NILES — As the announcement came down Monday morning from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to shut down dine-in services across Michigan in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, local businesses scrambled to respond.

Whitmer announced that dine-in services were to cease in Michigan at 3 p.m. Monday with restrictions in place until March 30, effectively limiting businesses and public gatherings in restaurants and bars for two weeks. The announcement also closed down movie theaters, performance venues, fitness centers, spas and recreation centers.

“We’re still trying to work things out,” said Bryan Williams, owner of The Brass Eye in Niles. “We always have offered carry-out. It’s just not a primary method we are used to.”

After a weekend that already proved slower to businesses, owners are working to adapt their offerings to the new mandates.

Sarah Brittin, owner of Pizza Transit, remained positive about the past weekend.

“Our sales were only slightly lower than usual this weekend. We had a great response to our annual Pi Day special [hosted March 14],” she said.

Before the mandate, Pizza Transit was actively moving its business focus delivery and takeout options, as they was already built into its model.

“We even advertised that you can order online, and we can leave it at the door upon request,” she said.

The Nuggett Downtown is looking at adjusting as well.

“People will be calling, so we’ll deliver where we can,” said owner Dave Dulemba.

Across county lines, Indian Lake Pub in Dowagiac has a history spanning more than 50 years in business, but a two-week limit to business does give owner Becky Bennett room for concern.

“We have always done takeout, but we haven’t done curbside delivery. Our immediate plan is to adjust the hours, since we won’t have people in here drinking,” Bennett said. “We are in a very rural area, so if we have plenty of customers supporting us, we’ll be OK.”

Adapting to the unknown landscape of the weeks ahead, businesses are wondering how their businesses will change.

“We started out not serving any food at all, so we’ve slowly grown into this,” Williams said of The Brass Eye’s offerings. “We can obviously adapt.”

The Brass Eye will adapt its carry out options and does have carry-out beer and wine permit to supplement food orders.

The Nuggett Downtown Grill is looking at having limited staff during this time.

“We won’t have a hostess. We won’t have table service. The kitchen service will probably be half,” Dulemba said.  “We’re going to be doing a lot of cleaning — wipe everything down, do extra cleaning, make everything nice and shiny. Give staff something to do and get paid.”

The uncertainty of the times ahead, and especially of the hospitality industry, concerns Bennett.

“People, they’re going to lose their jobs,” she said. “The government won’t be replacing their income. They’ll get a fraction of income. The fraction will cover car payments, mortgage payments,  that’s my concern. We’re going to take it day by day.”

“It’s going to hurt us on all levels. Sales are going to drop off the cliff here,” Williams added. “It’s going to be tough for a lot of people.”