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COVID-19 is ‘catastrophic’ for Dallas restaurants and bars

Few industries have been hit harder by COVID-19 than restaurants and bars, which make up 10% of all Texas employment according to the Texas Restaurant Association. Many have been forced to close their doors while others are trying to stay afloat with drive-through, delivery and takeout services.

“We launched a relief fund to get money into independents’ hands quickly and hope to help keep them working for even one more day,” said Emily Williams Knight, chief executive of the Texas Restaurant Association. “We’re laser-focused on securing some relief for operators owners and employees so they can begin the process of rebuilding.”

Here’s what some in the industry are saying about the effects the closings are having in their lives.

Jason Caswell, owner of the Chuggin’ Monk and Ross & Hall
Jason Caswell, owner of the Chuggin’ Monk and Ross & Hall
Scott Cecil, co-owner of the Barley House and Redfield’s
Scott Cecil, co-owner of the Barley House and Redfield’s
Dr. Emily Williams Knight, president & CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association
Dr. Emily Williams Knight, president & CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association
SOURCE: Texas Restaurant Association
SOURCE: Texas Restaurant Association
Tommy Donahue, manager of Milo Butterfingers
Tommy Donahue, manager of Milo Butterfingers
Kari Lewis, bartender at the Chuggin’ Monk
Kari Lewis, bartender at the Chuggin’ Monk
SOURCE: Texas Restaurant Association
SOURCE: Texas Restaurant Association
Ryan Berg, Dallas-based musician
Ryan Berg, Dallas-based musician
Mark Kelcher, co-owner of the Kelcher Entertainment Group, which owns multiple bars and restaurants in D-FW
Mark Kelcher, co-owner of the Kelcher Entertainment Group, which owns multiple bars and restaurants in D-FW
SOURCE: Texas Restaurant Association
SOURCE: Texas Restaurant Association
Matthew Rangel, co-owner of the Pour House neighborhood sports pub and My Family’s Pizza
Matthew Rangel, co-owner of the Pour House neighborhood sports pub and My Family’s Pizza
Josh Yingling, co-owner of Goodfriend
Josh Yingling, co-owner of Goodfriend

The Texas Restaurant Association has launched the TX Restaurant Relief Fund, which will distribute grants of up to $5,000 per unit to independent restaurants across Texas to immediately support their financial needs. To donate to the fund, click here.

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