Restaurant Workers Still Struggle to Financially Survive Pandemic

More than 2.5 million restaurant jobs have been lost to COVID-19. And those employed are barely making ends meet.

A local Colorado resident has recently made national news as the “COVID Bandit.” Yet this person hasn’t stolen anything. Instead has left astronomical gratuity on receipts to aid struggling restaurant industry employees.

It’s a selfless act that may deserve praise and attention. However, the reason for the generous act is getting to a frightening level for many.

CNBC has reported on industry workers who say they “have enough money for food, but not rent.”  In 2020, the restaurant industry lost a collective $240 billion. And as of Jan. 2020, more than 110, 000 bars in restaurants in the country have closed temporarily or for good.

Resources are wearing thin

Last March – early in the pandemic – many charitable funds and food drives emerged to help “In the Business” employees. But by this point, they’re getting harder to find and qualify for.

Organizations like Restaurant Opportunities Centers United provide lists for financial aid and rent assistance for food and bar service industry workers. While reporting this story, The GEM couldn’t find many active resources for these workers. Searching through nearly two dozen, at least six had halted operations eight months ago.

One of the most promising is the latest $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill. A portion is called the RESTAURANTS Act, which includes $28.6 billion in grants set aside roughly $1,400 for restaurant employees and a $3,600 child tax credit for, Eater New York reported.

Things may get better

Now, 93.7 million Americans have been vaccinated for COVID-19 with that number growing every day. Though many disagree with safety measures today, more states are beginning to open up dining and bars to the public to a higher capacity.

Though the hospitality industry has been rocked by 2020, 286,000 jobs were added to the restaurant workforce, according to BLS data. This is a sign that the industry may bounce back to pre-pandemic levels by 2022, CNBC reports.

It may not be all food and beverage workers want to hear today. But a glimmer of hope is around the corner.