By: Sarah Sheinker, Co-Editor In Chief
The coronavirus pandemic heavily hit the United States in early March and by mid-March, restaurants across the county were suddenly and almost entirely shut down. With one fell swoop, the emergency closings of the states shut down an industry that employs more than 15,000 million people, and was projected to do nearly $900 billion in sales this year.
Restaurant employees such as chefs, cooks, and managers went from the relentless pace of restaurant work to a lot of unexpected down time. While there are many things being postponed amid the pandemic, many people miss the simple pleasure of going out to eat on a Saturday night. The question becomes: how do restaurants open up in a safe way?
Ideas range from the practical – disposable menus, added cleaning protocols, increased takeout options – to larger revisions like enhanced safety nets for restaurant workers and no cash policies. Jon Nodler, chef and co-owner of Cadence says, “We can’t keep running this traditional model, the food and labor costs, and the pressure put on people…I hope that restaurant owners, and everyone working in restaurants, is using this as a time to evaluate how to come back to it.”
Restaurants expect they will have to trickle back into dining out and having large group gatherings. Many restaurants say when they reopen they will only allow 50% capacity and many measures will be taken to ensure the safety of their employees and guests. We as a society must adjust to what our new world might look like. These new measures could include single-use menus and silverware, servers wearing masks and gloves, and possibly signs saying the tables have been sanitized.
It is expected that tables will be farther apart from each other, and that there will be a short term rise in individually portioned meals rather than family-style meals. Experts say it is too early to tell what the industry will look like, but the idea is to have reduced occupancy in dining rooms and bar areas, as well as contactless payment and having sanitizer available at all times.
Unfortunately, there are many unknowns in today’s world. While the restaurant industry works with local, state, and federal government to provide a safe way to return to dining, it is important to support local business with take out food, yet still adhere to protocols that prevent the spread of COVID-19.