Restaurants are bracing for a rough winter as the industry continues to be one of the hardest hit by the pandemic.
Lyman Winner remembers the way things used to look at his fine dining restaurant in the Poconos.
“Back in the day, we could have 70 to 80 guests here, really bustling. And the bar could be filled up, we’d have live music, people would be waiting for their tables.”
He says his business, The Frogtown Chophouse in Swiftwater, is looking at a 30% revenue loss. With temperatures going down and COVID on the rise, co-owner Eric Noone says the state needs to develop a better plan or offer financial relief.
“The PPP loans were a big help but that was for 8-12 weeks of payroll, that ran out instantly…. So many restaurants are closing, and this winter, without any help and without a plan, many more will close and that’s a fact,” Noone said.
After rallying in Monroe County last week, area restaurateurs will join many more for a rally at the capital on Wednesday.