The US restaurant industry was among the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown regulations. Thousands of establishments were forced to close their doors, while countless others relied on takeout and delivery services in order to keep their doors open. After almost a year of varying restrictions and uncertainty, it seems like the Los Angeles restaurant industry may finally have been given a reprieve from the calamity it was forced to endure. Apart from outdoor dining once again being allowed and breweries and wineries reopening, a celebrity chef’s latest business venture has created a wave of new job opportunities in the industry.
Welcome back, outdoor dining
After what can only be described as a dreadful two-month ban, restaurants in LA were allowed to reopen for outdoor dining on January 29. The new rules dictate that patio capacity is restricted to 50% and that all tables need to be placed at least eight feet apart. In addition to this, everyone seated at a table must be from the same household and wear a face mask when not actively eating. By law, servers also need to wear masks, as well as face shields, at all times. Apart from the new regulations, restaurants must also reduce health and safety risks by ensuring restrooms are clean and tidy and surfaces are hygienic. These are regulations that must always be followed, but avoiding common hazards is particularly important at such a critical time in the industry. Although in-door dining will not be allowed until Los Angeles moves into the second tier of the state’s reopening strategy, being able to serve patrons outdoors may be a saving grace to many restaurants that have fought relentlessly to keep their doors open.
Wine and beer tasting also allowed
Even though wineries and breweries may not traditionally be classified as restaurants, many do sport fully-fledged restaurants on-site. Just like traditional restaurants, these establishments are also once again able to reopen after a vexing two-month closure. Both wineries and breweries have to adhere to the same general rules as restaurants. Additionally, alcohol may only be served as part of a meal. The alcohol must form part of the same transaction as the food order. Snacks, reheated dishes, and pre-packaged food items do not constitute a meal. Although these restrictions may be tiresome, just being able to serve customers again is a small victory for the industry.
Celebrity investments give an added boost
Apart from outdoor dining being allowed once again, the restaurant industry has been given an extra boost thanks to the ingenuity of a popular celebrity chef. Guy Fieri, host of shows like ‘Guy’s Grocery Games’ and ‘Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives’ is now also the founder of Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Kitchen, a delivery-only operation which offers comfort foods like Jalapeño Pig Poppers, The Crazy Cuban Sandwich, and a Bacon Mac N Cheese Burger. The concept is being implemented in 23 states, with LA being one of the focal points. This is of great benefit to the local restaurant industry, as a range of new restaurant job opportunities have been created.
After a very long and worrisome year, the LA restaurant industry may finally start to recover. While it may still be some time until things return to normal, any small victory is welcomed.
