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At 3:30 on Monday afternoon, Jim and Lori Klonaris were full steam ahead working to implement new strategies aimed at increasing business at their restaurants, Cafe 4 and Kefi.

Coronavirus fears were keeping customers at home and it affected two weekends of sales. By 6 p.m., the restaurateurs announced via Instagram that they would close both restaurants until further notice beginning Tuesday.

They were one of the first — but would not be the last — restaurants, bars or coffee shops to announce that they would close.

Until Monday evening, most restaurants were announcing reduced hours or moving to takeout or delivery models. It's a decision small business owners are making at breakneck speed as recommendations and restrictions are issued.

"You're going to see a lot of these companies just drop out of the market, they're going to disappear overnight," Jim Klonaris said. "And it's not anything they did."

On Monday, the City of Knoxville released a new guidance for restaurants and bars, including encouraging the use of takeout and delivery, limiting seating to 50 and keeping everyone six feet apart whether seated or waiting for a table.

The final line of the guidance poster summed it up: "This is a rapidly changing situation that may well demand further action."

The worst drop they've experienced

The current situation reminds Jim Klonaris of the post-9/11 restaurant world, when another one of his restaurants closed after losing 75% of its catering business.

But he said he's never seen anything like this, and the drop in revenue — about 80% — has been staggering.

Jim said 100% of event bookings in March and April have been canceled at their venues The Press Room and The Square Room. Sunday night sales at Kefi were the lowest in the restaurant's existence. Sunday brunch at Cafe 4 usually serves 650-700 people; this past Sunday less than 100 people showed up.

"We're not panicking, but we definitely are taking a proactive approach to save our businesses for the future," Jim Klonaris said. "But I worry, in a greater sense, I worry what this is going to do for our local community and state and country."

The couple is also working on renovating the first floor and basement of the Holston Bank building to launch Vida, a Pan Latin restaurant, and The Vault, a retro cocktail lounge.

They are moving forward with the project.

"You cannot operate on a level of fear in this life," Jim Klonaris said. "If you operate from a level of fear, you are paralyzed. So part of being an entrepreneur is operating from a positive mentality, and moving forward and not getting stuck in your fear."

Closed until further notice

Here is a list of restaurants, bars and food establishments that are closed until further notice. Check with individual restaurants or their social media pages for the latest information.

Still want to support these businesses? Ask them how you can help, whether it's buying a gift certificate or writing a review.

All bars in Knox County: On Friday, the Knox County Health Department ordered all bars to close until further notice.

Awaken Coffee

Blue Slip Winery & Bistro

Bluetick Tavern

Buck'n Good Donuts

Cafe Four

Carleo's Lounge and Nightclub

Central Depot

Central Filling Station

Chivo

CJ's Tacos

Corner Lounge

Curious Dog Hotdogs & Sandwiches

Dean's Restaurant & Bakery in Oak Ridge

Downtown Grill & Brewery

Emilia

Emmy's Frozen Yogurt

Fieldhouse Social

Frussies Deli & Bakery

Hanna's Cafe in the Old City

Hey Bear Cafe

Honeybee Coffee has closed its Sevier Avenue location

Jig & Reel

K Brew

Kefi is now offering to-go alcohol with the purchase of hummus or a salad. Check social media for details.

Knox Burrito

Knox Mason

Knox Wurst

Knoxville Chocolate Company, Market Square location

Lanai Food Truck

Lonesome Dove

The Lost Tavern

Magpies Bakery

Merchants of Beer

Myrtle's Chicken and Beer

Old City Java

Pearl on Union

Perk City

The Plaid Apron

Preservation Pub

Ramen Bones

Remedy Coffee

Sapphire Fine Food & Fancy Drinks

Scruffy City Hall

Southbound Knoxville

Status Dough has closed its Gay Street location.

Steamboat Sandwiches

Stock and Barrel

Sullivan's Fine Food

Sunspot

Tern Club

Token Game Tavern

Tommy Trent's Sports Saloon

Treetop Coffee Shop

Turkish Market & Deli

The Urban Bar & Corner Cafe

Wild Love Bakehouse

Are you a restaurant owner who wants to be added to this list? Email brenna.mcdermott@knoxnews.com.

Brenna McDermott is a business reporter covering food, retail, commercial real estate and growth. She can be reached at brenna.mcdermott@knoxnews.com. Follow along with her work on Twitter @_BrennaMcD.