CARTERSVILLE, Ga. — The closure of restaurant dining rooms over COVID-19 is having a ripple effect across industries. A popular restaurant in Cartersville said the decision to close its doors hits their entire community.
About a week ago, Allie Lyons, had her toughest workday in nearly four years.
“We called in all 12 of our staff members and we had to let go 10 of them just because it’s best for them to go collect unemployment,” she said.
She and her husband consider their staff family. It’s how they’ve grown their farm-to-table restaurant, Table 20.
“It was really hard, I mean, we were all crying,” she said.
And it’s not just those 12 staff members, Allie has seen the impact of COVID-19 too. It’s hitting every vendor that helps their restaurant run smoothly.
“I have nine alcohol vendors, most of which are commission-based, so I know a lot of them right now are not receiving a paycheck,” she said.
The farmer who supplies their greens went from having 250 orders a week to two. Even the bank that holds their loan is feeling the pinch.
“Every aspect of a restaurant right now is being halted,” Allie said.
And it’s being felt all across the country. Restaurant sales were expected to hit $900 billion this year according to the National Restaurant Association.
Now, forecasts predict losses of at least $225 billion.
“We have to minimize our costs so drastically just to survive so we’re cutting out any sort of middleman,” Allie said.
Table 20 restaurant, like many others, is making adjustments like becoming take-out only. But they still need community support.
If you can’t afford to buy food right now, Allie said customers may be able to help with certain supplies. Just ask what the restaurant needs.
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