Robert Martin, owner of the Anoka restaurant Cork, knows COVID-19 can be deadly.
âOur grandma died two weeks ago from COVID, so we know itâs real,â he said Dec. 18. âWe understand 100%.â
But with mounting financial pressure from being closed to in-person dining for the second stretch this year, Martin joined a coalition of businesses across the state that reopened Wednesday, Dec. 16, in defiance of Gov. Tim Walzâs executive orders.
âWeâve got family. Weâve got staff. We have to feed people too,â Martin said. âIâm frustrated. Iâm angry. Iâm hurt. I donât know what else to do.â