Butler County's bar and restaurant owners no doubt heaved a sigh of relief Wednesday when an anticipated closure mandate from Gov. Tom Wolf never materialized.

Many expected Wolf to announce all bars and restaurants in the county would close for two weeks to rein in the increased numbers of COVID-19 cases seen in the past few weeks.

The thought of another shutdown just when bars and restaurants were beginning to welcome customers — and business-sustaining revenue — back to their establishments had local owners on edge Wednesday.

“We've been so careful,” said Judy Ferree, owner of the Hotel Saxonburg. “We've done everything we were supposed to do.”

Butler County's coronavirus totals climbed again Wednesday with 17 new confirmed cases — the county's highest single-day increase to date — but remains at 13 deaths.

Wolf issued a stay-at-home order April 1, when the entire state was placed in “red” status.

He moved the county to the “yellow” phase May 15, but restaurants were mandated to continue carry-out-only sales.

Butler County's restaurants and bars were permitted to reopen when Wolf moved the county into the “green” phase June 5 as long as social distancing and masking measures were in place.

Vince Tavolario, owner of Natili North restaurant, was upset at the prospect of his restaurant enduring another closure. He said the move would be “devastating” for business, adding that he had just called everyone back to work.

Tavolario, who has operated restaurants in Butler for 52 years, said a new shutdown could be the final nail in the coffin for many struggling establishments.

“If we do another shutdown, depending on how long it is, I'm not sure we are going to survive it,” Tavolario said. “God bless us all.”

Deanna McKivigan, co-owner of Anna Marie's Winery in East Butler, said her restaurant and winery survived the stay-at-home order because she was permitted to continue selling wine.

She also sold takeout during the red and yellow phases.

McKivigan and other managers at the winery have mixed feelings about a temporary closure by Wolf.

“We totally understand,” she said. “It is for the safety of our customers and employees. I don't have a better idea.”

McKivigan said her establishment had 30 employees before the coronavirus pandemic, but is now down to 10 because the majority didn't want to return.

She suspects workers are making more money now than they were when working due to the additional weekly supplemental unemployment funds disbursed by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that furloughed workers receive on top of unemployment benefits.

Individuals can receive a maximum of $203 per week and a household with four or more dependents can receive a maximum of $591 per week.

The program expires Dec. 26.

“I think that was a little bit of overkill,” McKivigan said. “It made people conditioned to sit at home and collect money and not have to worry about anything.”

She said there is no telling how the virus will play out in the coming months — or even years.

“It's just crazy,” she said.

Ferree said her chefs have the food for a rehearsal dinner this week prepared and more food is on hand for a wedding scheduled this weekend at the restaurant.

She hopes Wolf doesn't foil the plans of the bride and groom and her chefs.

“I understand what he is trying to do, but when you run a restaurant, even with outdoor dining, you get trucks in and plan the week ahead,” Ferree said.

While some food can be cooked and frozen, she would donate her produce to the employees she would once again be forced to lay off.

Ferree also worries about smaller restaurants with no outside dining areas if a new closure were mandated.

“It will be hard for them to survive,” she said.

Bonnie Rakarich, co-owner of the Monroe Hotel in Butler, has completely restocked the kitchen and bar and daily specials have returned to the establishment's menu.

“A lot of things will go to waste and we'll be losing money,” Rakarich said.

However, the business' catering schedule is booked through August, she said.

Rakarich has a funeral meal scheduled Friday for 50 people.

The rumors that have been flying regarding the fate of bars and restaurants have been exhausting, she said.

“You don't know what to believe,” Rakarich said.

Leslie Osche, county commissioners chairwoman, declined to comment on a potential closure because she had not received any official communication from Harrisburg on the matter as of Wednesday afternoon.