COVID-19 in a Blender …
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us in many ways and consequentially financial stability is in a flux. Without a shadow of a doubt all living organisms are affected in one way or another. Humanity has received a severe blow and businesses are no exception. In an effort to assist during uncertain times, we look to share information to better understand how we can make the proper adjustments to succeed. Having so much information can be overwhelming. As my industry colleague Brian Connors of Connors Davis Hospitality would say “Put it in a blender” (Cut to the chase, give me the facts.) The Key word being FACTS! We share the links to ensure you can dive in as deep as you need.
1. Help for Individuals, Families and Small Business Owners
The United States Government response is… the “CARES Act” (The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.) The bill is “To provide emergency assistance and health care response for individuals, families, and businesses affected by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.” (Congress.gov) The bill is inclusive, but not limited to small business interruption loans, rebates and provisions for individuals, families, and business. The bill also provides hundreds of billions of dollars into a “PPP” Paycheck Protection Program thus helping employers keep their employees on payroll. The aforementioned also considers financial assistance for freelancers and independent contractors.
With a focus on the restaurant industry we turned to the nation's health protection agency “Centers for disease control and prevention” also known as the “CDC.” At the time this blog was written According to the CDC, “Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food.” Before we move ahead. We encourage everyone to follow only the guidance of health professionals for health and safety. In addition we shared the links for the information provided by the Centers for disease control and prevention “CDC.” Please visit www.cdc.gov for up to date information.
2. Restaurant Stats Impacting All of Us
It is vital for us to understand the major impact the Restaurant industry plays in our economy and social culture. Stephanie Resendes wrote a great article for upserve.com detailing valuable statistics. Here are some bullet points we consider specially valuable during these times.
There are over One million restaurants in the United States.
There are 15.1 million restaurant industry employees in the United States.
60% of restaurant operators say that offering delivery has generated incremental sales.
Orders placed via smartphone and mobile apps will become a $38 million industry in 2020.
The National Restaurant Association says “8 million restaurant employees have been laid off or furloughed, and the industry will lose $80 billion in sales by the end of April”. It is no wonder they sent a Restaurant Industry Blueprint for Recovery to Congress. The blueprint would compensate restaurants amongst other line items for government-ordered closures, reopening “start-up” capital, and rehiring and retraining the workforce. Restaurant.org provides the most up to date restaurant information.
Based on the previously aforementioned, more than half of the industry is without a job. This also means your favorite spot to enjoy a happy hour after work or get your coffee fix may not be open. Fortunately some of our most coveted cravings can be satisfied by ordering delivery or pick up if you’d like to see the sky once every so often. Delivery no longer equates to pizza. Now, more than ever you have full access to every cuisine, fast food chain, and even local Mom and Pop via delivery. A great way to stimulate the economy is to order delivery or pick up. This gives you the chance to step away from your new pastime room, also known as the kitchen.
If you are interested in getting more useful information regarding food handling prior to ordering your are in luck. The National Restaurant Association through their ServeSafe program did not forget about you.
They are providing free online classes and free short videos for Takeout & Delivery precautions regarding COVID-19 in both English and Spanish. Please refer to servsafe.com to make good use of the information.
Part two of Restaurants + COVID19 shares an insider’s perspective from Chef Anthony Perez founder of What Chefs Wear.
- Enjoy