In addition to our normal news coverage, What Now Atlanta is tracking ways Atlanta’s businesses are adapting to the novel coronavirus and the challenges it brings to brick-and-mortars.

As restaurants are starting to reopen around the nation, some are adding a “COVID-19 surcharge” to the bill.

One such restaurant in West Plains, Missouri, Kiko Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Lounge, earlier this month implemented the extra fee which was five percent.

Kiko’s managing partner Billy Yuzar told TODAY Food the “surcharge was implemented on May 6 following a noticeable price increase on meat, seafood, and vegetables from their local supplier.”

Yuzar has since removed the COVID-19 surcharge after national backlash over the fee, while local customers didn’t seem to mind the increase; after all, a sign was posted to the restaurant’s entrance alerting patrons to the change.

There aren’t currently any known Atlanta-area restaurants adopting a similar policy, but if we’re to become a trend in the City, would Atlantans pay it?

Clint Barrow, the owner of F.R.O.G.S Cantina in the Midtown Promenade, told What Now Atlanta in an email Friday there was no chance his restaurant would implement such a surcharge, even with rising costs.

F.R.O.G.S. has been reopened now for 15 days and Barrow said Atlantans have been tipping well and an increase in alcohol purchases can offset new costs related to things like heightened sanitation (click here to see what other eateries have reopened).

“With everything being to-go and the cost of sanitization, it’s been seen that our customers are tipping very generously,” Borrow said.

“If our patrons purchase alcohol, it helps offset the costs. Thank God for prohibition.”

So, aside from tipping well, how else can Atlantans help restaurants amid the coronavirus outbreak?

“Drink more ice-cold margaritas,” Barrow said.

“If we survive, the community survives. We have always supported school teams, etc., now it’s payback so we can continue the tradition.”

[Photo: Talia on Twitter]

[Editor’s note: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is rapidly evolving as is its effect on Atlanta, and the City’s businesses and its residents. Click here for What Now Atlanta’s ongoing coverage of the crisis. For guidance and updates on the pandemic, please visit the C.D.C. website.]