Restaurants struggle to stay afloat during pandemic

By Connor Linskey
Posted 11/11/20

It is no secret that the restaurant industry has struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a survey released by the National Restaurant Association on Sept. 14, nearly one in six …

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Restaurants struggle to stay afloat during pandemic

Posted

It is no secret that the restaurant industry has struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a survey released by the National Restaurant Association on Sept. 14, nearly one in six restaurants (representing nearly 100,000 restaurants) had closed either permanently or long-term during the first six months of the health crisis. The survey also revealed that nearly three million restaurant employees were still unemployed and the industry is on track to lose $240 billion in sales by the end of the year.

In March, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the New York State on PAUSE executive order, which ordered nonessential businesses statewide to close in-office personnel functions. Restaurants and bars were forced to open only for take-out and delivery. Since then, restrictions have been loosened slightly and restaurants in the Mid-Hudson Valley can open indoor spaces with a capacity to no more than 50 percent of maximum occupancy.

The pandemic has forced some local eateries to close their doors. Hoot Owl in the Town of Shawangunk closed until further notice on July 12.

“We know that New York is opening up and we know that cases are down in our area. But we also know that COVID-19 has not gone away and cases are on the rise in other parts of the country and experts are predicting a second wave,” Hoot Owl owners Arif Khan and Sabeen Hasan said on July 2. “We do not want to be in a position where we jeopardize the health of our staff or customers, or our own families.”

Garrison’s Tavern & Restaurant was also hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. They never opened for takeout as well as outdoor and indoor seating. On Aug. 5 the restaurant announced on its Facebook page that it would be closing permanently.

“Everything happens for a reason and all good things must come to an end. To blame our departure on anything other than the realization that life is just too short would be misleading,” the restaurant told its customers. “The one thing that remains the most important to us is the health and happiness of you all.”

Despite all of the obstacles that have been put in place, some restaurants have managed to survive. Parkview House Restaurant & Tavern co-owner Dan Grove noted that his business has been doing better lately.

“It’s picked up some,” he said regarding business at the restaurant. “People are coming out little by little more and more.”

Furthermore, the restaurant always adds new courses to its menu to attract diners. Moving forward, Grove noted that the restaurant will rely heavily on word of mouth to gain customers. They will also use print advertising to attract business.

Carmela’s Restaurant has seen business fluctuate during the pandemic. They plan to employ a 21st Century approach in order to gain new customers this winter.

“The Facebook, the Instagram, stuff like that,” said co-owner Alpim Bengasi.

Sweeney’s Irish Pub, a fixture in the Village of Walden for 23 years, remains open.

“We are open! We must follow the current guidelines, so we will operate at 50 percent capacity with optional outdoor seating available,” the restaurant stated on its website. “Come join us, we miss you!”