Local businesses hit hard by COVID-19

Scores of bar and wait staff already laid off as pandemic’s economic impact hits home

TRURO, N.S. – Local eateries and bars are struggling with lost revenue and mass layoffs, as COVID-19 forces their clientele to stay home.

“It’s horrific,” Derek Forsyth operator of the The Nook and Cranny Brew Pub in Truro, said. “Not one person can come in here for a beer or burger. I’ve laid off three-quarters of my staff.”

Forsyth said there was no St. Patrick’s Day celebration at any of his four establishments on March 17, normally a major money-earner at this time of year. The province banned public gatherings of more than 50 people that same week.

In addition to The Nook and Cranny, Forsyth owns Belly Up BBQ & Grill, Salty Dog Brewing Company and Sauced Wood-fired Pizza. Normally, he has 40 full- and part-time employees working in his four Truro establishments. As of March 18, he is down to just five, having laid off most of his staff. As of March 19, Forsyth’s establishments have only been open for take-out and deliveries. This is in accordance with the province’s emergency regulations shutting bars and banning restaurants from offering in-person dining to customers.

But Forsyth said traditional restaurants and pubs cannot survive on take-out and delivery alone, unlike fast-food outlets.

“It’s devastating us,” Forsyth said.”

He has no idea if COVID-19 will force cancellation of Country Rocks the Hub and

Rock the Hub, scheduled for July 31–Aug. 2 and Aug. 7-9, respectively.

“I’m not going to speculate that far ahead,” Forsyth said.

For now, Forsyth says he is in “survival mode.” He plans to spend more time with his family while he rides out the pandemic.

“Are we even going to be open?” Forsyth said. “That’s our biggest concern.”

Also in survival mode is Arden Woods, owner of the Engine Room pub on Esplanade Street. She has laid off “90 to 95 per cent,” of her 24-strong staff.

Only 10 or 12 people came to the Engine Room for St. Patrick’s Day. The planned live music was cancelled.

“I feel for my employees,” Woods said. “I’ve got a great group here that’s going to be going through a very tough time.”

LOCAL HOTEL FEELS THE PINCH

At the Best Western Glengarry, owner Amar Sandhu lost $300,000 to $400,000

in revenue over the 15 days leading up to March 18.

The hotel was expecting an influx of guests, from both the Rugby Nova Scotia 7s competition on March 13 and the since-postponed World Women’s Championship hockey tournament starting March 31.

“They gave us two or three hours’ notice it was cancelled, on the day they were supposed to arrive,” Sandhu said of the rugby tournament.

During the World Women’s Championships, the Glengarry was supposed to be hosting the Danish and Hungarian teams.

For now, the Glengarry’s 109 rooms are at only 15-percent occupancy, as guests have cancelled stays in droves. Normally, occupancy rates at this time of year are 60 to 65 per cent, according to Sandhu.

For the latest information on home delivery and takeout, visit Facebook pages of the local businesses.