As business bans were imposed in some American states, there were some businesses that defied orders, others due to fear of bankruptcy, and others in rebellion or confusing government decisions.
California Restaurant
Eat at Joe's has been a "South Bay landmark" since 1969 and despite the ban on outdoor dining in Los Angeles County, owner Alex Jordan refused to close doors on a packed Monday afternoon.
Jordan argued that "if it's good enough for Gavin Newsom, it's good enough for all of my clients." The business owner was referring to Newsom's recent fine dining outing that has since gone viral.
Newsom was spotted dining out after the local government banned outdoor dining Nov. 25. The California governor has since issued an apology for his actions.
For Jordan, though, Newsom's move "set him on edge." His comments echoed earlier calls from the food sector for consideration as long as they followed proper anti-coronavirus protocols in operations.
The restaurateur pointed out that his choice of keeping the restaurant open was to ensure that his employees kept their jobs through tough times.
Anguish from LA Restaurateurs
One day after the outdoor dining ban was announced, restaurant owners in Los Angeles County expressed anger and frustration, with many raising concerns about their businesses not being able to keep up with the bans.
General manager at The Lobster in Santa Monica, Mickey Barnes, said the restaurant has already invested thousands to ensure that customers practice proper social distancing as they dined outside.
Founder and CEO of West Hollywood's Abbey, David Cooley, was close to tears as he said that while the current outdoor dining ban would last for three weeks, an extension will likely put the Abbey out of business.
Luis Navarro, who owns four restaurants in Long Beach, echoed Barnes' sentiments. "I think everyone has worked so hard to create these outside environments," Navarro explained.
For LA County restaurant owners, the efforts they put into building outdoor dining spaces are in vain since the new ban will force restaurants to operate on delivery and takeout services alone.
Michigan Restaurants
In Lapeer, Michigan, a group of restaurant owners reopened indoor dining despite the statewide ban just a week earlier.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced the three-week ban Nov. 18 as part of the local government's efforts in reducing new COVID-19 cases.
However, Lapeer restaurateurs and those in surrounding communities defied the latest Michigan order, arguing that "our people are hurting." They further noted that the new ban does not include federal aid like the previous one did.
Lapeer restaurant owners stood by their stance that they are "banding together" to offer indoor dining so business can keep running and employees will not go jobless.
Illinois Restaurants
In Illinois, restaurant owners shared the same sentiments with those in states where dining bans have been mandated.
Owner of the Village Tavern and Grill, Mike Coughlin, said the only way to retain business during the pandemic was to stay open despite the shutdown order in Illinois.
Restaurants and other food service providers that choose to remain open are faced with fines and even forced closures, but for many food business owners, the risk is bigger if they close-up shop.
The United States remains the hardest-hit country in the world, with over 13.6 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and over 268,000 deaths linked to the fast-spreading disease.
