As March 10 approaches, business owners across Texas have started to give statements regarding their mask policy following Gov. Greg Abbott’s announcement that the statewide mandate will be lifted.
Picos, a Mexican restaurant in Houston, is just one of many businesses that will still require its customers to wear masks.
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Since making the announcement, Picos has reportedly received hateful messages on social media as well as threats of calling ICE on its staff, co-owner Monica Richards told the Texas Tribune.
“People don’t understand unless you’re in our business what it felt like, how hard it was to go through everything we went through during COVID. For people to be negative toward us for trying to remain safe, so that this doesn’t continue to happen, just makes zero sense to us,” Richards said according to the Texas Tribune.
In response to threats made against the restaurant’s staff, several people online have shown an outpour of support to Picos Restaurant.
I live in Houston proper. I refuse to enter an establishment that will not require masks. Threatening this popular restaurant in any way is disgusting. Ditto Governor rescinding mask order too soon. Thank you I will make sure to order takeout there this week.
— Hdtgal (@hdtgal) March 7, 2021
One way to support this Houston restaurant (which has received grief for keeping staff and guests safe by maintaining COVID mask requirements despite TX changes) is to order a meal that goes to local first responders! See link @picosrestaurant shares here for details. https://t.co/UxpldIyW6F
— Margaret Thomas 😷🗽 (@thatmags) March 7, 2021
“We are so grateful for the support! We can’t thank our loyal clientele enough! And all new customers who came in this weekend! We are so appreciative of every gesture large and small made for our staff! We will always be here for you,” Picos wrote on Facebook.