Pontiac Times

Molly’s Pitcher, a Michigan restaurant inside a gun store, defied the stay-at-home order and reopened. It is located inside of Huron Valley Guns, at 56477 Grand River Ave. in New Hudson.

“This is America, so if you are concerned with your health or you’re high risk for something, we ask that you don’t come to our establishment,” said Ed Swadish, owner of Molly’s Pitcher.

“If the legislature doesn’t stop [the executive order], if it's up to the citizens, I guess I am taking a step," said Swadish, according to Detroit Free Press.

The restaurant will observe social distancing. It has inside seating for up to 55 people, as well as outdoor seating. Cooks and waitstaff will wear masks and gloves.

The menu features items such as the “freedom burger.”

A now-removed post on the owner's Facebook page read, “We will not obey illegal orders. We went along with the flattening the curve concept but never agreed to closing until the virus is eradicated. The virus is real and sadly many lives have been lost. However, when all the states that are still on lockdown are Democratic, I have to assume there are politically charged motivations. I’m not losing my business for that."

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's now-expired executive orders called for the partial closing of nonessential businesses, limiting in-person service.

Her orders called for restaurants and bars to limit dine-in services until June 8. Certain parts of the upper peninsula and northern Michigan were permitted to reopen before this date.

In these venues, seating can be limited to 50% of their normal capacity. Staff also are required to participate in safety training.

Restrictions on other gatherings are being phased out. Whitmer announced a plan to permit retail stores and car dealerships to reopen. Dental procedures as well as nonessential medical procedures are also allowed to resume.