With quarantine restrictions and health protocols slowly easing up, citizens have started to dine outdoors yet again. However, the option to do so may not be possible as Winter draws near.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants and small businesses have started to close temporarily or for good. With industries just beginning to recover, small businesses have one fear: the threat of shutting down because of Winter.
The Struggle of the Restaurant Industry
In the last few months, small restaurant owners have struggled to survive amid coronavirus. Due to the implementation of safety measures, restaurants operate on limited seating capacity. This implementation led to a significant decrease in sales, forcing some businesses to close doors permanently to their customers.
A recent study revealed that one in five local businesses fear shutting down if the current economic status prevails. According to the National Restaurant Association, approximately 30% of all U.S. food establishments will shut-down due to coronavirus. A loss of $240 billion by the end of the year has also been projected.
With Winter approaching anytime soon, the challenge of staying afloat is brought to restauranteurs.
“We are going to try to get creative; I have been looking at [heated] igloos and everything else to be able to use that space in the Winter. Winter is our biggest fear right now.”
Adam Rammel, owner of local bar Brewfontaine
As Winter approaches with COVID-19 cases spiking up, small restaurant owners are forced to find new ways to survive. Some businesses have started to think outside the box to entice customers and keep patriots.
“We’re all trying our best to make lemonade out of some terrible lemons. We just hope our guests who have always been here to support us continue doing so, and continue to support all our local small businesses.”
Basil Cafe in Appleton
While some innovate to cope, others hope that customers’ loyalty will keep them alive.
How to Help Struggling Business Owners
Many business owners and personalities encourage people to dine out despite the cold to help save the local restaurant industry.
Businesses have opened its doors to services that don’t break health protocols like take-out and delivery only as consumers continue isolation to abide by safety measures, the demand for contactless services increases.
While large companies also need help, the struggles of local businesses are incomparable. It’s still highly encouraged to dine with local restaurants, whether through dining in or through contactless services like carry-out or delivery.
“Mom-and-pop independent restaurants are the lifeblood and character in our small towns.”
Adam Rammel
What people can do is make noise and continue to patronize small businesses in the local restaurant scene.
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