‘We need your business’
Memphis restaurants ask customers to help them survive as they reopen
When the coronavirus pandemic began, the restaurant industry was among the earliest to feel the pain.
Even those able to remain open by quickly shifting to takeout and delivery models saw major losses.
Earlier this month, dining rooms started to slowly reopen as Shelby County entered phase 1 of the Back-tobusiness plan, which allowed them to operate at 50% capacity as long as social distancing guidelines were implemented.
Wednesday morning, owners and staff representing about a dozen Memphis restaurants met at The Arcade Restaurant on South Main Street, which reopened Monday, to welcome their patrons back.
“The past 60 days have been extremely challenging for our industry and the hospitality sector as a whole,” said Ernie Mellor, president of the Memphis Restaurant Association and owner of Hog Wild Catering. “Going from full dining rooms to having no one there, we were shut down. Most of us started picking ourselves up off the ground and trying to find a way to survive. Many of us have regeared our business models for drive-through, pick-ups, carryout and delivery and are still bringing our great food to the city of Memphis.”
As dining rooms continue to reopen, Mellor said restaurants have taken precautions to keep their guests and their staffs safe. Now, he is imploring customers to come back so restaurants across the city can survive.
“Our message today is clear,” Mellor said. “We are open and we need your business.”
Restaurants present committed to making sure staff members would wear masks and encouraged patrons to do the same when entering and exiting the restaurants. Many will also continue takeout and delivery options for customers not yet comfortable with eating in dining rooms.