The Fight to Survive for Pittsburgh Restaurants
The region’s restaurants and bars are doing all they can to survive a pandemic that has meant immeasurable sacrifice and precious little government support in return.
January 21, 2021
“WE NEED TO BAND TOGETHER TO KEEP THE INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE SAFE. EVERYBODY IS IN A BAD SPOT WHERE THEY NEED MONEY, BUT PUTTING A BARTENDER IN A SITUATION WHERE THEY HAVE TO POLICE A DINING ROOM ISN’T OK. IT’S AN IMPOSSIBLE SITUATION TO THEM.” –– KATE ROMANE, OWNER OF BLACK RADISH KITCHEN
It’s been a terrible year for just about anyone who operates a restaurant, bar or catering business. Since March 16, when the first public health measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 included the prohibition of on-premises consumption, life in the region’s hospitality industry has been a roller coaster of uncertainty. While it’s true that restaurants and bars close every year and Pittsburgh hasn’t, to date, seen a tidal wave