Greensboro-area restaurants are hopeful that a $150 billion federal relief package would help the food industry as it struggles with COVID-19 restrictions and mandates. | Adobe Stock
Greensboro-area restaurants are hopeful that a $150 billion federal relief package would help the food industry as it struggles with COVID-19 restrictions and mandates. | Adobe Stock
Restaurant owners in the Greensboro area are embracing the possibility of a new federal relief bill, the Restaurant Act, as the goal for many is still simply staying afloat amid the economic crisis created by restrictions related to COVID-19.
The proposed federal Restaurant Act would set aside $120 billion to give relief to one of the nation’s industries hardest-hit by restrictions that have gutted their business model, Fox 8 reported on Sept. 24.
“You do feel like you’re kind of left behind because our industry is so unique, right now the challenges are so unique,” Steven Gingher, who owns The Sage Mule with his wife, told Fox 8.
Though the federal Paycheck Protection Program helped The Sage Mule, Gingher told Fox 8 that it is months later, and costs in preparation for weathering ongoing government restrictions – such as adding heaters to their outdoor seating area and making blankets available – are new costs of doing business.
“A small restaurant, the places you love to go on your way home, the guy you’ve known for years, we need help, and we need it sooner rather than later,” Aaron Schneider, general manager for Pizzeria L’Italiano, told Fox 8.
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