Philadelphia, PA
- With the City of Philadelphia banning indoor dining through January 1, 2021, the long time Old City fixture Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is bracing for a difficult holiday season, investing in its outdoor seating environment, and stepping up its takeout business.
Restaurateur Reax to Philly Indoor Dining Ban
Barry Gutin, Co-founder and owner, reaction to this latest development will further hurt the restaurant industry and likely force many independent operators to shut down or lay off employees.
"Despite suffering hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses already, we have invested tens of thousands of dollars to "winterize" our on-street dining with an enhanced structure, heaters, and windbreaks to maintain the comfort level of our outdoor seating for up to 50 guests. Even with these efforts, we just don't know if people will come." Said, Barry Gutin
Among other things, Gutin believes
- Responsible restaurant operators who follow proper protocols are not the problem; no guests who have dined at Cuba Libre are linked to COVID outbreaks.
- The ban on indoor dining will force many restaurant workers to go back on unemployment
- Philadelphia's independent restaurants are already an endangered species. The newest restrictions will unquestionably force more restaurants out of business sooner.
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