Ninety-two days of lockdown and counting, and the hospitality industry is still riding the coronacoaster of stomach-churning loops and somersaults. It’s hard enough to be in this business even at the best of times, but the past few weeks – which, frankly, feel like months – have seen valiant struggles as restaurants and coffee shops have done everything in their power to keep going, only to admit defeat and announce they are closing their doors for good.
Sandri’s main concern is that travel restrictions continue for a prolonged period, as visitors play a very important role in the economy of the city. “The restaurant industry is going through its most challenging period but it is an opportunity to rethink one’s offering and make changes that will ensure sustainability in the long term,” he commented.
“You will very seldom not see me and my wife on duty, all of which I think makes us unique and probably the number one true authentic steakhouse.” While Albert’s opinion is that people will definitely come out poorer as the battle against Covid-19 continues, under no circumstances will it destroy the social activity that people require to enjoy the day to day living of life. “The industry – although on fire – will eventually burn its way out over the next 18 months and new and old will reappear,” he said.
The restaurant itself has been dark, chairs stacked up on tables, while a delivery business operates during lockdown. “It was either to do deliveries or close and this was not an option for us,” said Colin Judin , adding this is not enough to sustain the business the way it was. With much resting on time and money, Judin believes the industry will bounce back.
Owner of Maria’s in Dunkley Square, Cleon Romano, said they’d had a good summer season and voluntarily closed on March 19, 2020, a week before the official national lockdown. This meant there were cash reserves to pay staff until the end of that month. Consideration has been given to reopening within regulations stipulated by the government but there is huge concern it could be more damaging than remaining closed.
With the ever-changing rules, restaurants have had to call upon all their innovative thinking to keep their businesses going. This has led to all sorts of clever and creative ideas to keep customers interested. At the beginning of June, 2020, a mobile trailer was placed in the car park at Foresters Arms – affectionately known to generations of guests as Forries.