30 | DECEMBER 10 • 2020
W
ith the coronavirus
pandemic surg-
ing, just before
Thanksgiving came Gov.
Gretchen Whitmer’s announce-
ment of stricter COVID-19
restrictions for the state from
the Michigan Department of
Health and Human Services
(MDHHS). Although most
restaurants and bars had com-
plied scrupulously with safety
and sanitation regulations since
their first reopening on June
8, the state instituted a three-
week “pause” on indoor dining
through Dec. 8. At press time,
the restriction seemed likely to
extend at least through the holi-
day season.
“Indoor gatherings are the
greatest source of spread, and
sharply limiting them is our
focus,
” said MDHHS Director
Robert Gordon, explaining
the department’s decision. “By
coming together today, we can
save thousands of lives and not
overwhelm the hospitals caring
for COVID patients.
”
The restaurant industry is
facing unprecedented challenges
to stay afloat. The Independent
Restaurant Association, a trade
group founded during the pan-
demic, estimated 11 million
workers have lost jobs since the
crisis began as well as another 5
million up and down the food
chain. Without financial inter-
vention, the association said up
to 85 percent of independent
restaurants could be lost. The
association filed suit against the
state of Michigan to end the
“pause.
” That suit was rejected
by the courts.
Joe and Rosalie Vicari, own-
ers of Andiamo restaurants,
confirmed to the Detroit Free
Press that they sent a letter to
fellow restaurant owners urging
they unite as one and open their
doors in defiance of the state’s
indoor-dining pause should it
be extended. During a Zoom
call with restaurateurs Dec. 3,
the Detroit News reported that
Vicari toned down his rhetoric.
“We have to figure out a way,
with Lansing, with the board
of health, we have to figure out
a way to keep our restaurants
open, safely,
” he said. “
And if we
have to compromise, we’ll figure
out a compromise that’s good
for public safety and good for us
to stay in business.
”
LOCAL RESTAURANT
OWNERS SPEAK OUT
Small and larger restaurateurs
spoke to the Jewish News about
their businesses and the future
of the restaurant industry.
“Our full-service catering has
kept us afloat,
” said co-owner
Georgia Omand of Republica,
a gastropub with American
and Mediterranean cuisine in
Berkley. Her family business
has 13 employees. “We’re trying
to keep our staff employed;
we’re not making any money.
Unfortunately, this new shut-
down came at our busiest
season.
”
Steve Goldberg, owner of the
Stage Deli in West Bloomfield,
said, “We’ve done way better
than expected and carry-outs
have been very popular
throughout the pandemic. But
I’m concerned about the future
of the industry. I would like to
see a vibrant restaurant com-
munity.
”
Owner Meskerem “Meski”
Grebreyohannes of Taste of
Ethiopia in Southfield said, “
All
is well for my family and staff,
considering what is going on at
this time. As for our restaurant,
I don’t know about the future
at this point. As of now, we are
trying our best to stay open and
hope for better days.
”
Partner Sandy Levine of
Chartreuse Kitchen and
Cocktails in Detroit said, “It’s
been very much like a roller-
coaster through this pandemic.
”
He praised his staff and guests
for being willing to comply
with the guidelines, unlike at
other restaurants. “Hopefully,
the vaccine will bring us back
to where things will be some-
what controlled. Our industry
is going to be affected beyond
this year.
”
Owner Betty Sheuell of
Culantro in Ferndale said, “We
believe the MDHHS emergency
orders are in the best interests
of the community. We do not
want to put our employees or
loyal customers at risk. Under
quarantine rules, we can con-
tinue to service everyone safely
through takeouts while dimin-
ishing the risks. We have been
blessed to have a very loyal cus-
tomer base who do not wish to
see us fail and want to keep our
unique flavors alive and well
through this pandemic.
”
Latest “pause” in indoor
dining threatens the futures
of local restaurants.
ESTHER ALLWEISS INGBER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Restaurants
Fight for
Their Lives
continued on page 32
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