County launches campaign to assist hospitality industry workers
County officials are launching a campaign to raise money to provide financial relief to restaurant and other hospitality industry employees facing layoffs as a result of new state restrictions aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19.
The Butler County commissioners, Center for Community Resources and Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau are collaborating in the campaign, which was announced Thursday, just a few hours after Gov. Tom Wolf declared a temporary suspension of all indoor dining, a 10-person limit on indoor gatherings, a 50-person limit on outdoor gatherings and a 50% capacity limit on all other in-person businesses from Saturday until 8 a.m. Jan. 4.
Restaurants will be limited to take out, online and outdoor service during that time.
That restriction will mean dozens of the 120 employees at Texas Roadhouse at the Clearview Mall will be laid off and business hours will be curtailed, owner Kelly Huffman said.
“I don't have real numbers yet, but I anticipate having to lay off between 50 and 75 employees two weeks before Christmas,” Huffman said.
Hospitality business owners or managers affected by the new order should email the tourism bureau at info@visitbutlercounty.com to register affected employees and for more information about the campaign.
Displaced employees can also take advantage of the upcoming drive-up food distribution event hosted by the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 22 at Lernerville Speedway. Reservations are required and can be made on the food bank's website at www.pittsburghfoodbank.org.
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