With each passing month, it seems as if we should be closer to the end of the pandemic. Also with each passing month it feels like it will never be over and normal will never be what it used to be! I think the hardest things we’re all dealing with in 2020 is uncertainty and unpredictability. How do you plan for your staff? How do you order food knowing restrictions may change? How do you project sales when each time an official speaks your business changes because the public has renewed fear about going out? I share your frustration, though it is not my business that is in danger of closing or going bankrupt.
Several months ago, we decided not to hold our annual Cuisine on the Green on October 5. Due to limited indoor capacity at Churchill Downs we are revisiting how we may hold a trade show. We want to provide ways for members to gather safely to trade ideas and learn best practices from one another. We’re open to your suggestions, so let me know if you have a genius idea we should pursue. We have resumed regular ServSafe classes, and that schedule is posted on kyra.org.
One silver lining to the last 6 months has been communicating with so many restaurant operators from all over Kentucky. I have heard from people throughout the state, from state legislators concerned about their restaurant constituents to members of the public who think restaurants have been unfairly impacted, from former members who renewed their membership even though their income is uncertain to new members who have a new found appreciation for all that KRA does “behind the scenes” and “even though we’re going to do it anyway.” We have tried hard to represent every Kentucky restaurant as if they’re our only Kentucky restaurant, advocating for each of you though often times our messaging seems to fall on deaf ears. We will continue to push for you and your ability to conduct business safely and with all the proper protocols. I am pleased that some of you have renewed your membership while I’m sure your budget is pinched – thank you! We’ve also had several new members join KRA. One told me “I never really knew what you did, but the last few months have shown me that I was cheating my business by not being a KRA member and doing my part so the Association can be stronger.” Music to my ears!
If I can help you, I hope you will let me know. Need clarification from the ABC or health department on something, or about a Healthy at Work guideline? I can help. We don’t always get the answers we want, and it tends to vary by geographic location, which is frustrating – but I will ask and always be on your side. I look forward to representing restaurants all across the Commonwealth and seeing you on the other side of all this – whenever that may be.