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Can restaurants survive a second shutdown due to COVID-19 numbers?

By Sandy C.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: People dine outdoors in plastic bubbles at Suprema Provisions on October 25, 2020 in New York City. Restaurants are finding ways to extend the outdoor dining season as long as possible by adding plastic bubbles, outdoor heaters and plexiglass tents. The pandemic continues to burden restaurants and bars as businesses struggle to thrive with evolving government restrictions and social distancing plans which impact keeping businesses open yet challenge profitability. (Photo by Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 25: People dine outdoors in plastic bubbles at Suprema Provisions on October 25, 2020 in New York City. Restaurants are finding ways to extend the outdoor dining season as long as possible by adding plastic bubbles, outdoor heaters and plexiglass tents. The pandemic continues to burden restaurants and bars as businesses struggle to thrive with evolving government restrictions and social distancing plans which impact keeping businesses open yet challenge profitability. (Photo by Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images) /
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Will COVID-19 rising numbers force restaurants to shut down again? If so, can the businesses survive?

The first wave of shutdowns was very tough on small businesses, particularly for restaurants. Will a second shutdown hurt the industry to the point of no return?

When the first shutdown was ordered, I saw two of my favorite small businesses close. It was sad to see, and if I felt horrible, I can’t imagine how the struggling business owners were going through!

One of the restaurants that closed was even featured on Guilty Eats, Don Arturo’s Cocina and Cantina. With COVID-19 numbers rising, is there a second wave of shutdowns? Here’s what we know.

Will restaurants shut down again?

For starters, it’s important to know that each state (sometimes even districts) handle COVID-19 differently. One state may shut down businesses completely while another only decreases the capacity of customers.

At the moment, however, there doesn’t seem like a shut down of any shape or form will occur. I have seen many businesses scale back on the number of customers allowed to dine-in.

Other noticeable changes include increasing outdoor dining and extending to-go and delivery hours. After the first wave, most restaurants, and even some fast-food chains, switched their menus, offering only select items — this seems to be happening again at some locations.

What new changes have you noticed in your local restaurants? 

Recently, California issued a stay-at-home order, and New York closed down indoor dining, which is really hurting the industry that had only just recently re-opened.

PR Hacker shared some tips and data on how restaurants can stay competitive if we enter another lockdown.

  • Communicate health and safety measures with customers.
  • Offer more delivery and takeout options.
  • Increase online marketing (foodies love a good deal these days!).

Next. Outback Steakhouse: Check out these delicious new additions!. dark

Remember to help out small businesses as much as you can. If you’re hungry, check out which small business restaurants are available instead of ordering from a major chain. 

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