Permanent Restaurant Closings? Perhaps 70%?

Some predictions from restaurant insiders:

1. 70% of all independent eateries will close permanently within a few months.

2. Mid-range priced establishments will have a high closure rate - think Applebee's.

3. New health regulations are coming, and sit-down traffic will be restricted to as little as 25% (depending upon the state) of normal capacity. 

4. Any restaurants that are currently open are making approximately 40% of normally expected income...at most.

We have no inside knowledge of how this will affect the Shoals in general; however, we're reminded of some words of wisdom from Dick Jordan. Several years ago, there was a very upscale eatery near Florence Mall. It was called The Emerald Coast. How long did it last?

We can't give an exact time frame for the defunct business, but we can say it came and went pretty quickly. Many in the area bemoaned it's leaving. Dick Jordan (who has been on the Florence City Council since the War of 1812) stated at the time that our area just didn't support restaurants like that. 

Then there was the Magnolia Cafe'. We can recall eating there a few times; upon leaving we always the knew the names of the grandchildren of the diners on each side of us. In other words, we were all packed in like sardines. No more will that be allowed. 

Don't forget the bars. Some cities are imposing such regulations on traditional bars that many are simply throwing up their hands and in the towel.

A reader has just asked us if we have more concern for restaurants than gyms. On the scale of necessity, we're pretty sure establishments serving food rank a great deal higher than a gym. 

It's sad that any business will have to close. It's even sadder that anyone would post on Facebook that he wants to shoot up the town of Rogersville. Support local businesses, but also support the police. We're pretty sure you're both on the same side.