Campaign to assist hospitality employees
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, the Center for Community Resources, and the 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 get 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 in Sarver. Reservations are required and can be made on the food bank's website at www.pittsburghfoodbank.org.
“Commissioners (Kim) Geyer, (Kevin) Boozel and I ask that we pull together as a community to help those affected just two weeks before the holidays, knowing that unemployment benefits take time to receive. Many have been impacted by this pandemic, but this particular closure will be difficult for many,” said Leslie Osche, county commissioners chairwoman.
The community can help with emergency support by making contributions to either the Butler County Tourism Foundation at 310 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople, PA 16063 or to the Center for Community Resources at 212 S. Main St., Suite 625, Butler PA 16001. Donations should be marked “Hospitality Relief.” Contributions are eligible for tax deductions.
In an effort to bring more awareness and additional customers to county restaurants, the bureau is starting a new campaign titled “Talk About Takeout.” The campaign will highlight local establishments offering takeout options and encourage customers to take photos of their food and share their experiences using #TalkAboutTakeout on social media.
A Web page dedicated to local takeout options will be featured on the bureau's website along with ways to socially share your foodie photos and recommendations. More information can be found at www.VisitButlerCounty.com.
Huffman said he believes state restrictions have been unfairly applied to restaurants and small businesses while large “big box' retail stores have been allowed to remain open.
At Texas Roadhouse, a 50% capacity limit is in place, customer seating has been separated by 6 feet, partitions have been installed, and the ventilation and fresh air system circulate air better than retail stores, he said.
The federal stimulus and $600 in federal unemployment payments for laid-off workers that were in place for the state-ordered business shutdown in the spring are no longer available, forcing displaced workers to chose between buying Christmas gifts or feeding their families, he said.
“I'm not worried about myself. It's people that come to work every day to provide for their families. In my opinion, it's unjustifiable. It makes me sick,” Huffman said.
He said he has talked to the county commissioners about the campaign and he appreciates their efforts to help workers.
The restaurant will curtail hours beginning Saturday. The new hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
