Abacoa & Alton Neighbors May 2020

24 Abacoa &Alton N E I G H B O R S | M a y 2 0 2 0 COMMUNITY NEWS Have you been served lately? Probably not, since the Corona Virus entered our world with a bang, the restaurant industry has taken a huge hit. Dining establishments are the lifeblood of our community. Restaurants bring people together, revive and restore your spirit, provide a backdrop to grab a beer with friends and they are an outlet for our local farmers and fisherman. There are over 42,000 restaurants in Florida that generate more than $50 billion in sales for the economy and employ over 1 million workers. In Palm Beach County, we have nearly 6,600 of those restaurants, friends, and neighbors. In the blink of an eye, we went from 3.5% unemployment to 4.4% unemployment, laying off 701,000 workers. Historically, there has been nothing like this pandemic in my lifetime and there is no doubt that things on the other side of COVID-19 will be dramatically different. The restaurant business is resilient and will recover because hospitality folks are innovative and strong. The industry has faced hurricanes, hepatitis, and other challenges. Change is inevitable but there are also stories of hope. A recent survey by the National Restaurant Association in March looked at 4,000 restaurants and cited 7 in 10 owners had laid-off employees. The industry has lost more than 3 million jobs and $25 billion in sales. The foodservice industry in the United States employs 10% of the U.S. workforce or about 15.6 million people. (Cut?) Before COVID-19, season in the Palm Beaches was poised to be one of the best in decades. Restaurant owners were reporting an increase in sales and customers. Then the executive orders started rolling in and our new normal shook the hospitality industry to its core. Nearly 50% of restaurants temporarily changed their business model to off-premise only and 45% of operators closed temporarily. This too shall pass and there will be a business renaissance for the hospitality community. Along the way, we will all learn some new lessons as we navigate these unprecedented times. Off- Premise dining has been a growing portion of the restaurant business but now owners have had to pivot to only take-out and delivery. Another new trend that has emerged is the rise May I Take Your Order Please? Submitted by Jodi Cross, Regional Director, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association People Who Love To Eat Are Always The Best People. —Julia Child