A year of ups and downs for the restaurant industry

Grit City pivoted every chance they could, they most recently built a patio. They also held on to the hope that “in a few more weeks this will be done.”

It’s also been hard to catch a break with having to rely on the weather for patio hours.

Schmunk says he tries to be optimistic but he wears a lot of weight on his shoulders.

“I think I need a bit of a break myself,” he added. “I’ve noticed I’ve been kind of short with my family and I think I need to worry about my own mental health right now and this isn’t helping anything at all.”

In an effort to keep staff employed, Grit City plans to pivot again and offer delivery for food and hand-made spirits.

Schmunk says this is tough and his heart goes out to all business owners.

“In other interviews I’ve done in the past I always like to have that positive spin on things but I’m getting pretty tired,” he told Chat News.

Over in Redcliff, the fire pit is crackling at Who’s on Third.

They’re another business that moved seating to a new outdoor patio.

“We try to do our best to be able to open and make money and do all the restrictions and whatever the government tells us to do and then they just keep shutting us down,” part-owner Stephanie Jeffrey said.

The pub does not do takeout and in the meantime, they will be closed during this set of restrictions.

It’s frustrating for Stephanie Jeffrey who will have to lay off her employees again and they’ll have to go back on EI.

“My staff, I got some single moms that work here just trying to make it by,” she added.

Restaurants are able to have seated patio service until Sunday.

Jeffrey says rain or shine they’ll be open for the next few days.

“I will have the fire, I’ll bring out some umbrellas, and let’s make the best of it,” she added.

by Chantal Wagner

A year of ups and downs for the restaurant industry

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