By: Kelly Allen | Adkison, Need, Allen, & Rentrop PLLC
Q: What is the Strongest, Most Resilient Industry in the History of the World?
A: The Hospitality Industry.
The title of this portion of the The MRLA Magazine is called “Ask the Experts.” It does not take an expert to know that the owners, employees, and all people whose livelihoods depend on restaurants and hotels are strong, hard working, unwavering in their dedication to each other, and above all, resilient.
A year ago, words like shutdown, reopening, pause, capacity limits, curfew, social distancing, and pandemic were unthinkable.
A year ago, PPE, PPP, and MDHHS were just a bunch of letters. COVID-19 was an unknown virus. The devastation, loss, and fear caused by COVID-19 could never have been understood or even imagined. Our industry was hit the hardest. In addition to the loss of life, we faced untold loss of what many had worked for their entire lives. I can say “our” industry. My family has been in the restaurant business for 35 years. I watched as their employees, who were their extended family, were laid off, only to receive unemployment benefits which, while life saving, caused them not to want to return to work when they were needed most. Many employers continued to support their people even though there simply was no business.
I watched while many struggled every day for the last year to keep it going by selling carry out, at the same time that their families at home worried about them working on the frontlines. I saw financial ruin, depression, and anger. I saw my friends and family diligently working within the system to obtain the relief offered by the government and the MLCC. This often meant hours waiting in line on a computer screen, filling out forms and gathering tons of information. These efforts often took place after putting in a full day of work making wages which did not come close to paying the bills.
Despite every possible obstacle, our people fought for their lives and stood up for their employees. But you were not alone. The MRLA worked tirelessly for the past year to gain every possible advantage that could be gained. The MRLA was the voice of owners, employees, and their families.
The constantly changing rules and restrictions under the various orders from the State have been difficult to negotiate, not only for the operators but also for the agencies given the authority to enforce the orders. The MRLA, the MLCC, and the MDHHS offer explanation and clarification of the restrictions on their websites.
While nothing can replace the past, present, and continued agony that this virus has caused, the innovations of our industry and those who have done their best to assist cannot be underestimated. Virtual menus, curbside pick up, delivery, cocktails to go, virtual events, outdoor service, and superb efforts to keep employees and customers safe will survive this pandemic.
Q: What is the Strongest, Most Resilient Industry in the History of the World?
A: The Hospitality Industry.
The title of this portion of the The MRLA Magazine is called “Ask the Experts.” It does not take an expert to know that the owners, employees, and all people whose livelihoods depend on restaurants and hotels are strong, hard working, unwavering in their dedication to each other, and above all, resilient.
A year ago, words like shutdown, reopening, pause, capacity limits, curfew, social distancing, and pandemic were unthinkable.
A year ago, PPE, PPP, and MDHHS were just a bunch of letters. COVID-19 was an unknown virus. The devastation, loss, and fear caused by COVID-19 could never have been understood or even imagined. Our industry was hit the hardest. In addition to the loss of life, we faced untold loss of what many had worked for their entire lives. I can say “our” industry. My family has been in the restaurant business for 35 years. I watched as their employees, who were their extended family, were laid off, only to receive unemployment benefits which, while life saving, caused them not to want to return to work when they were needed most. Many employers continued to support their people even though there simply was no business.
I watched while many struggled every day for the last year to keep it going by selling carry out, at the same time that their families at home worried about them working on the frontlines. I saw financial ruin, depression, and anger. I saw my friends and family diligently working within the system to obtain the relief offered by the government and the MLCC. This often meant hours waiting in line on a computer screen, filling out forms and gathering tons of information. These efforts often took place after putting in a full day of work making wages which did not come close to paying the bills.
Despite every possible obstacle, our people fought for their lives and stood up for their employees. But you were not alone. The MRLA worked tirelessly for the past year to gain every possible advantage that could be gained. The MRLA was the voice of owners, employees, and their families.
The constantly changing rules and restrictions under the various orders from the State have been difficult to negotiate, not only for the operators but also for the agencies given the authority to enforce the orders. The MRLA, the MLCC, and the MDHHS offer explanation and clarification of the restrictions on their websites.
While nothing can replace the past, present, and continued agony that this virus has caused, the innovations of our industry and those who have done their best to assist cannot be underestimated. Virtual menus, curbside pick up, delivery, cocktails to go, virtual events, outdoor service, and superb efforts to keep employees and customers safe will survive this pandemic.
The stories of the heroic measures of many restaurateurs and hoteliers will also survive this pandemic. Many fed families in need and frontline workers, despite their own desperate situations. Breweries and distilleries also pitched in by converting their operations to make hand sanitizer, often donating their products because of the short supply. There is a light at the end of the tunnel for the thousands of you who have persevered. Together, you have shown resilience which will literally go down in history. Stay safe, stay well.
