NEW YORK (WKBW) — A new survey from the New York State Restaurant Association suggests that more than 8,300 restaurants statewide have closed due to COVID-19.
The study referenced that more than half of restaurant owners across the state will likely not survive the next six months without some federal relief.
The New York State average of 54 percent of restaurant owners saying they won't survive without federal help is higher than the national average of 37 percent.
“Since March, our members have been sounding the alarm that without sufficient governmental relief, New York restaurants will not make it through the pandemic. Our once vibrant restaurant industry is suffering. Our members are in worse economic shape than most restaurants across the country, and today’s numbers make that picture crystal clear. It is time that our elected officials start fighting to save the industry before it is too late. Financial aid from the federal government is one of our last hopes,” said Melissa Fleischut, president and CEO of NYSRA.
Restaurant owners across the state have sent a letter to Gov. Cuomo asking for federal aid.
“The industry has been in survival mode throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting to capacity limits, embracing outdoor dining and transitioning to more robust take-out and delivery options. They have worked within the safety guidelines to stay alive and keep their workers employed. New York State restaurants are at a breaking point. We need help now,” added Fleischut.
You can read the survey by clicking here.
