Minnesotans in restaurant industry react to new COVID-19 restrictions

It’s not the complete closure bars and restaurants faced in the spring, but it is dialing back the guidelines the state provided back in October.

Since the pandemic started, the state has moved through different phases.

For a few months, only to-go and pick-up orders were allowed. Then, a limited capacity with outdoor and indoor dining. And now, no dining in between 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., including no seating at bar counters or any social games, like pool.

This would cut down restaurant hours to serve customers, and the state says it would affect at least 10,000 restaurants in Minnesota.

“It is tough. We hope for the best, because I tell you, where we used to be and where we are now is a big difference as far as business,” said Jamal Ansari, restaurant owner at the Mediterranean Cruise Café in Burnsville.

Walz announces new COVID-19 restrictions for gatherings, puts bar and restaurant curfew in place

The restaurant has been a family-owned business in Minnesota for over 40 years.

Ansari says the restaurant’s “bread and butter” is weekend nights because they’re usually open until 1 a.m.

Working from home means their lunchtime crowd has dwindled. And now, curfew means goodbye to the holidays, and likely to those New Year’s Eve customers as well.

“I don’t know how we are going to be able to make It, honestly. So we need the help eventually if the state helps us, businesses down the road, to make up at least to pay the rent, the utilities,” Ansari said. “When you are in business for 40 years, you want to continue. That’s our dream, and that’s what we do for a living.”

Liz Rammer, Hospitality Minnesota President and CEO released a statement saying:

This continues to be a devastating time for the hospitality industry that provides one-in-ten jobs in Minnesota, but now sees half of its businesses facing permanent closure in the coming months. While we appreciate that the governor is not shutting down restaurants, bars and events as some other states are doing, we are concerned about the economic and jobs impact on these businesses. This industry has worked extraordinarily hard to protect its public and follow the safety protocols, which is reflected by the fact that only a small fraction of cases is currently affiliated with these spaces. As our governor noted today ‘our hospitality industry has done more than anyone.’ We all need to work together to balance protecting our economy and public health as we go forward.

Gov. Tim Walz announced they are looking into $10 million in funding to help restaurants. Walz also said this plan will stick for four to six weeks, and be reevaluated then.