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Some local restaurant owners say they can't hang on much longer amid coronavirus pandemic

Posted at 9:01 AM, Apr 03, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-03 19:24:22-04

CLEVELAND — Restaurants have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Neighborhood hangout spots all over the state may be forced to close for good.

According to the Ohio Restaurant Association, 10% of restaurants are expected to close permanently due to the coronavirus.

The restaurant industry in Ohio lost $700 million in the month of March.

One local owner who spoke to News 5 said they can’t hang on much longer.

"Not very long, maybe we can stretch it out, I mean I'm good for this month. but if it keeps going. who knows?" said Albert Mandel, owner of UNC's Patio in Chagrin Falls.

Owner Chuck Beal, who owns Beal's Pickles N' Pints in Willoughby and some other restaurants, said he already had to shut down one of his restaurants and is doing all he can to keep the others alive.

"You know surviving, every winking minute you're thinking about how to keep going, how fight and to survive," Beal said.

Ryan Dahlstrom, who runs a consulting business for bars and nightclubs, said owners need to adapt quickly for any hope of staying open.

"My opinion the best bet is to rearrange their menu, and basically rearrange their entire business model and stay afloat that way. Reach out to their landlords
and try to renegotiate their leases at least at this time," he said.

The businesses are surviving for now by offering takeout, but they add that alone can’t make up for the massive losses in alcohol and food sales.

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