With all the twists and turns of 2020, I think most business owners wake up every day weary, but with a “whatever crazy curveball happens today won’t surprise me” attitude. If we have to see a silver lining to this bizarre year, adapting with innovation is a big one. I am inspired by so many of you who have completely reinvented your businesses to survive this pandemic! As we prepare for colder weather, questions turn to how you can adapt any outdoor and patio spaces for more seating, pushing carryout and curbside options and maximizing your dining room space. We’ve been asking for bar seating and service to be reinstated since late September and we will continue to push for that, as it is critical for your bartenders as well as additional seating. Some cities and states have interesting ideas to help restaurants. Houston has “Take Us To Your Table,” a city-wide campaign encouraging carryout focused on one night a week. I love this – Rhode Island, which has a lot of outdoor restaurants on the water, has “Bring Your Own Blanket” to make patrons feel comfortable. We have urged Governor Beshear’s office to establish a fund just for restaurants. Michigan is offering “winter readiness” grants up to $200,000! If you have a special campaign or idea, would you please let me know?
Thank you to so many of you who made our first Golftoberfest event a huge success! It made me happy to see so many of you in person, and it showed how ready we were for an event. Everyone did a great job distancing and wearing masks, and we appreciate the support so much!
I was pleased to testify before the Interim Joint Committee on Tourism, Small Business and Information Technology on October 29th. I presented an update on the state of the restaurant industry in Kentucky, in particular the effect the pandemic has had on our restaurants. Please look at the graphic opposite this page – it really tells the tale of what COVID 19 has done to Kentucky restaurants this year, but it doesn’t tell all your stories and it doesn’t convey the hardships you’ve endured just to survive. The committee’s questions were interesting, and I hope they remember how fragile the restaurant industry is as they begin the 2021 General Assembly session.
Later this month I will speak before the Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations seeking support for making alcohol to go a permanent option for licensees. Alcohol sold with carryout and curbside orders has allowed license holders a much needed revenue source and we are building support going forward.
I take part in regular calls with restaurant owners, Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles and city leaders telling your stories and experiences throughout this tough year. If you can think of any way I can help you I would love to talk with you. Our mindset has been and will continue to be that the entire Kentucky restaurant industry is our joint responsibility. We will continue to work on your behalf, and it is my privilege to represent you.