Ford’s Plan to shut down indoor dining greatly impacts local restaurants.
Since Doug Ford’s announcement on Monday, January 3rd, 2022, indoor dining is banned until January 26th. Although Ford argues that this lockdown will be different from the others, there is no guarantee that indoor dining will resume on the 26th. Resident business and restaurant owners are concerned that this lockdown will in fact be just like the previous ones and last for months at a time.
Local Acton families and individuals who run their own restaurants within the town are frustrated with Ford’s choice of closing down indoor dining. The shut down of indoor dining takes a toll on local businesses and they rely solely on individuals who choose to dine out instead, although many people dine out the majority of the business comes from indoor dining. There is more stress and pressure on restaurants like The Mexican Way, The Clay Oven and Tanners Restaurant and Catering to work through another closure until restrictions open up once again.
Sayeed, local business owner of The Clay Oven has continued to run his restaurant through all of the closures since the beginning of Covid-19. Sayeed’s restaurant continues to do well despite the uncertain circumstances and comments:
"This pandemic has changed our business significantly. The new restrictions will certainly put extra pressure on us but hope to get support from Actonians that will help us to keep our door open."
The restaurant business will rely on the Acton community’s support of their business in order to keep themselves afloat in this difficult time. Andrea, who is the owner of the local restaurant and pub Tanners also comments:
“The restaurant industry has taken a huge hit during this pandemic. It is extremely upsetting as a business owner to have to lay off our hardworking staff right after the holidays as it is also hard to find good employees. We are very grateful to have such loyal staff who will always return. The rising cost of food and transportation has made it hard to remain prosperous but we are very fortunate to live in such a supportive community because without their support we wouldn’t be here. Take out remains strong even in January and for this, we are truly Thankful!”
Julian Cruz Owner of the Mexican Way is also feeling the effects of the new restrictions…
“With the lockdowns, our window of sale has been affected and due to that we were forced to reduce the hours for our staff. This is a complicated situation because it is hard to keep the members of our team with enough money in their pockets. That is something that affects the business and personal life of all small business owners.”
As far as supports for restaurants go, Julian tells us…
“We haven't received any help due to lockdowns, it supposed to be coming soon but we still need to see if our business qualifies to get them.”
Melanie Frazer, Executive Director of The Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce expressed her disappointment about the lockdowns…
“We were disappointed to see that restaurants and event spaces were once again included in the provincial decision to move into a modified step 2. There has been no hard data to support these closures and we feel that the business community needs more clarity on how the province makes these decisions. These business owners have stepped up to the plate every time the rules change. They have all taken on a huge amount of debt and are really needing some certainty from the province as to what the next steps for re-opening are and what guarantees can be given that this will be the last time.”
Fortunately, the Acton community continues to support each other within the current closures. It is extremely discouraging for restaurant owners to continue to open and close every few months because of the restrictions. Pressure is put on businesses to cut staff and then rehire new employees for previously cut staff who often seek employment in ‘essential’ businesses so there will be no probable closure.
The continued support the Acton community has shown time and time again for local restaurants is a silver lining during this dark and difficult time. The Clay Oven, Tanners Restaurant and Catering, and The Mexican Way remain open for take-out and hope to see customers at their tables after the 26th of January.
The Clay Oven: https://clayovenacton.com/ Phone number: 519-929-9393
Tanners Pub and Grill: https://tannersrestaurantandcatering.ca/ Phone number: 519- 853-5231
The Mexican Way : http://themexicanway.ca Phone number: 1 289 368 TACO (8226)
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