Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash Production of boiler chickens (those raised for their meat, not eggs) in the US...
Innovative Ways some Restaurants are responding to COVID-19
The restaurant and service industries in our nation have been severely impacted by COVID-19. The Food Action Policy released a detailed blog regarding ways Congress can assist the restaurant industry during this time. The FPA states that the restaurant industry is crucial to our economy, contributing “$1 trillion to our economy and representing 4% of our gross domestic product.” Restaurants all over the nation are closed due to COVD-19. “Up to seven million people have been laid off, and millions of farmers, beverage suppliers, delivery people, manufacturers, launderers, and other small businesses will have their bills go unpaid, creating an unprecedented trickle-down effect of damage to these local restaurants and their communities.” The FPA estimates a $225 Billion loss in revenue over the next 3 months.
The restaurant and service industries in our nation have been severely impacted by COVID-19. The Food Action Policy released a detailed blog regarding ways Congress can assist the restaurant industry during this time. The FPA states that the restaurant industry is crucial to our economy, contributing “$1 trillion to our economy and representing 4% of our gross domestic product.” Restaurants all over the nation are closed due to COVD-19. “Up to seven million people have been laid off, and millions of farmers, beverage suppliers, delivery people, manufacturers, launderers, and other small businesses will have their bills go unpaid, creating an unprecedented trickle-down effect of damage to these local restaurants and their communities.” The FPA estimates a $225 Billion loss in revenue over the next 3 months.
Forbes, released an article detailing how restaurateurs are rebranding their service and dining experiences to meet the current times and demand. “For 70 years, Canlis in Seattle, Washington has been a beacon of fine dining in the Pacific Northwest.” Amid the pandemic, Canlis switched “over to burgers, salads, and ice-cream, all available via a drive-through operation” and is also offering delivery. This strategic move is allowing Canlis to continue to employ the 115 members of their team. Similarly, “Midwest fast-casual chain Crisp & Green have developed the Crisp @ Home program, a meal kit delivery and pick up service available at all seven of their Minnesota locations.” The meal kit can be assembled at home and the ingredients are stated to last up to a week. Thousands of other restaurants, including mainstream franchises, are offering similar options. These quick and innovative adjustments keep people employed, increase economic activity, and allow us to keep enjoying some of our favorite cuisines.
Discussion Questions:
- The FPA’s article lists several ways that Congress can aid the restaurant industry. Which FPA recommendation do you think will be most effective? Which FPA recommendation do you think will be least effective? Explain.
- Define the following terms: Structural unemployment, Frictional unemployment, and Cyclical unemployment. Which of these types of unemployment is COVID-19 causing?
Sources: Forbes “How Restaurants Are Innovating During The COVID-19 Pandemic” by Eve Turow-Paul; Food Policy Action “How Congress can help independent restaurants”
