Coronavirus concerns have effectively shut down many restaurants in Nebraska.
Latest news & resources: netNebraska.org/coronavirus
A recent survey of 4,500 restaurant owners in the state, conducted by the National Restaurant Association, showed an estimated loss of $88 million during the first 22 days of March. Ninety percent have had to lay off employees, with 35% of owners saying they’re anticipating having to cut job in the next month. Zoe Olson is the executive director of the Nebraska Restaurant Association.
“Three percent our Nebraska operators closed their restaurants permanently and 6% anticipate permanently closing their restaurant in the next 30 days, according to the survey,” Olson said. “Now, how the stimulus package is going to address that -- that may change.”
Olson says 24,000 jobs have been cut in the past month. This is a large amount for a big industry in Nebraska.
“Restaurants are one of the backbones of Nebraska's economy,” Olson said. “We're one of the largest employers in the state. We're behind agriculture, but we employ your family members, your friends, your colleagues, your community members. We're your neighbors.”
Olson says business owners are working to get through this, they are concerned and scared but she thinks they’ll come out of this stronger.
Latest news & resources: netNebraska.org/coronavirus