In just a few short months, the world around us has changed immeasurably. The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed every aspect of our lives. 

The mayor of Payson recently proclaimed that face coverings are mandatory. There are a few exceptions to this mandate: medical conditions, mental conditions or developmental disabilities are excluded from the requirement to wear a face-covering. Some of our employees have claimed exemption from the face-covering requirement. Federal laws (ADA and HIPAA) state that we, as employers, cannot ask for documentation unless the exemption adversely affects the employee’s ability to perform their job. If you are uncomfortable having a server without a mask, please simply request a server with a mask BEFORE you are seated. Please understand, you may have to wait longer.

To ease your mind, our employees have recently been tested. Our employees all came back negative. What does this tell you? Fargo’s Steakhouse takes our employees’ well-being and your safety very seriously. It also tells you that although we have most likely been exposed to unknown carriers, none of us have contracted or spread this virus. Why? For the same reason as always, we are constantly washing our hands. We are constantly cleaning our work areas, tables, chairs, menus, salt and pepper shakers and multiple other surfaces with a sanitizing cleaning solution. We have always performed these tasks and will continue to do these tasks with diligence, as we have always done.

Additionally, eating and drinking are specific exclusions from the mandate. Therefore, for those of you who choose to eat and drink at our establishment, you are exempt from the face covering requirement. This exemption gives you ZERO right to judge others who are not wearing a face-covering. You do not know the reason why someone is not wearing a face-covering and speculation only leads to fear mongering and hate. Do not spread hate. Spread kindness and joy. 

Watch your thoughts, they become words.

Watch your words, they become actions.

Watch your actions, they become habits.

Watch your habits, they become your character.

Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.

We are restauranteurs. Our employees are servers, bartenders, cooks, bussers, and hosts. We are not politicians looking to get re-elected. We are not scientists or doctors or nurses or health officials. If you are uncomfortable in our environment, please do what is best for you. Personal responsibility prevails here. 

We are all simply trying to support our families by providing you with a quality experience to the best of our ability.  

Rick and Jeri Stockman

Owners