Legendary Fort Worth Honky-Tonk Billy Bob’s Will Reopen This Week

Fort Worth’s legendary honky-tonk Billy Bob’s has officially announced plans to reopen its doors.

The bar announced this week that it would return on Thursday, August 13, following a monthslong hiatus caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic. According to a press release, Billy Bob’s obtained a new operations license that will allow it to “open and operate under food and beverage guidelines.” Previously, Billy Bob’s was classified as a bar, which meant that it wasn’t able to open due to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order requiring alcohol-oriented businesses to close.

The pandemic-era Billy Bob’s will be a bit different than its typical vibe. The bar will open for daytime admission, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., serving dishes like smoked brisket and chicken fried steak out of its Honky Tonk Kitchen.

In order to open, Billy Bob’s has implemented a host of safety measures intended to stem the spread of COVID-19. Patrons will be screened with a “non-invasive” thermal camera, and if a person’s temperature is recorded at over 99.5 degrees, they’ll be asked to leave or undergo more in-depth screening. Only 30 people will be allowed on the roped-off dance floor at any given time, and (of course) all patrons will be required to wear masks. Billy Bob’s will also operate at significantly limited capacity, with social distancing markers placed around the inside of the building.

For folks who just can’t wait to get back to Billy Bob’s, the doors open at 11 a.m. on Thursday.