Page 29 - The Valley Table - November/December 2020

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KYLE KELLEY
“Bia | Rhinebeck
Bia opened in June 2019, so we only had about eight months under our belt before news of an imminent global pandemic started to circulate. We were just starting to build momentum, and things started getting pretty dire in mid- February, long before Cuomo ordered restaurants to close.
The full-service, dine-in restaurant model has been dealt an unprecedented blow that has laid bare how fragile this business model really is. We are lucky to have secured some low-interest loans that allowed us to re-open our doors in August. When that money runs out, we will have to re-evaluate where we stand again.
Chains, fast food, and the like will be just fine through COVID. Their sales are booming, while independent businesses are shuttering left and right. [To help independent restaurants,] eat out as often as you can afford to; buy a gift certificate; share your positive experiences on social media; get takeout. Learn about and support the work of the Independent Restaurant Coalition, which is lobbying local, state, and federal agencies to establish a meaningful relief package and legislation that will actually help small, independent restaurants survive this nightmare.”
Business isn’t what it used to be. We’ve taken advantage of the beautiful weather by adding plenty of patio seating. We’ve seen an increase in takeout business, and we’ve added family-style options to our takeout menu. We’re crossing our fingers that we don’t see another surge in the virus. Eventually, we’ll lose our patio seating. With our tent and heaters, we’re planning to extend patio dining at least through the end of November. But once the cold weather arrives, we’ll lose a lot of seating capacity.
We’ve already lost a number of local establishments. Restaurateurs are going to be forced to evaluate the margins we operate on, and business models will need to be adjusted. Creativity and innovation are going to be crucial as the restaurant scene adapts.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF BIA (RIGHT)
NOV – DEC 2020 VALLEYTABLE.COM 27
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“Terrapin | Rhinebeck
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