As 2020 reaches a close, restaurants are in a perilous place. The current indoor dining ban in Washington has several more days to go until Jan. 4 and a potential return to limited dine-in seating. Takeout-only sales, paired with limited outdoor seating in the heart of winter, have not been enough for the majority of local, independent eateries to make it out of the red after nine months of pandemic-hindered activity. The list of restaurants in the Inland Northwest that permanently closed this year in connection with the pandemic is likely to grow, and already includes Geno s Pub, Paper & Cup, Fleur de Sel Creperie, Tomato Street in River Park Square (the North Side location remains open), River Rock Taphouse and Cheap Shots bar.
“For small businesses, like mine, employees are like family,” Charlie said.
He said he’s made it a point throughout the years to hire anyone in need, which includes felons, drug addicts, and those who may not be “hirable” otherwise.
“Food is our number one priority, but talking with and showing compassion to, and just being companions to those coming through our doors,” Charlie said.
But the struggles in the restaurant world has been often been overlooked, according to Big Table Organizations President Kevin Finch. The organization helps find resources – anything from transportation to finding housing, food, counseling, and even childcare – to workers in the restaurant or hotel industries.
‘It s really saving places’: Spokane Quaranteam buys local and gives back free meals to the community
The Spokane Quaranteam raises money through Facebook live streams and then buys 100 - 600 meals at a local business that the community can then eat for free. Author: Brandon Jones (KREM) Updated: 11:29 AM PST December 15, 2020
SPOKANE, Wash. During the holiday season, several businesses are wondering whether they ll be around this time next year.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused serious financial problems. While they desperately wait for better days, there s a Facebook group that s stepping up to provide support.
“We’re just going to wait and let everyone get online before we get started,” said Rick Clark as he gears up for his daily Facebook live session.