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Restaurants battle over reopening
As LA County announces a reopening date, there's a battle being waged between counties and business owners who want to reopen. Many, including restaurants -- say they need to open their doors in order to survive.
LOS ANGELES - Memorial Day weekend would be a big day for businesses and many aren’t sure they can survive like this much longer.
Orange and Ventura County leaders, dealing with a lot fewer COVID-19 cases, are working on getting plans to reopen approved by the state, while LA County’s goal to reopen is 4th of July.
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Crazy Otto’s Diner in Santa Clarita, “home to the biggest omelet in the world” is open for take-out, but Santa Clarita franchise owner Adam Finley says sales have plummeted by 85%.
“By holding us back, LA County is going to struggle. So, we need to open, we really do. It hurts. And I miss my customers,” says Finley.
In order to support his employees, a fifth child on the way, and keep his customers happy, Finley tried to open up for outdoor seating over the weekend, but LA County threatened to close down his restaurant.
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That is exactly what happened when another location, Crazy Otto’s Diner in Valencia, violated the Safer-at-Home order and opened for dine-in service this weekend. The health department shut down the restaurant, even for takeout, until Wednesday morning.
Surrounding counties are much closer to reopening. Ventura County’s Board of Supervisors says residents are ready and it is time to reopen.
They’ve submitted guidelines to the state and are now waiting to hear back. Orange County leaders are working on a similar plan. They met today to discuss reopening and are meeting again next week to lay out actionable steps to get the county to open as quickly and safely as possible.
One problem some business owners say they are facing is their employees don’t want to come back because they’re making more money on their COVID-19 unemployment.