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Impact of coronavirus on Louisville restaurants

In the past 4 months, restaurants have seen a huge loss of revenue because of social distancing, limited capacity, and a quick flip to carry out only.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Industry professionals say that by this time next year--15 to 20 percent of restaurant businesses in Louisville could close because of COVID-19.

Stacy Roof the president and CEO of the Kentucky Restaurant Association said our staple eat-out place may not survive the COVID-19 crisis.

“Restaurants are in survival mode, we've seen some close, we'll see more close it's estimated that 15 to 20 percent of our restaurants will not be here a year from now,” Roof said.

Local restaurants like Rye on Market closed their doors, and Baxters 942 announced on Facebook that they're scaling back and closing because of rising case numbers until further notice.

RELATED: Louisville bar temporarily closes as COVID-19 cases rise


In the past 4 months, restaurants have seen a huge loss of revenue because of social distancing, limited capacity, and a quick flip to carry out only.

“Some places would have closed anyway if they were on that bubble regardless of the situation it could be a lease situation it could be looking at the situation and saying what taxes and fees do I have to pay and is it worth it to get to the other side,” Roof said.


Kristi Stewart, event manager at 21st in Germantown, has been working in tandem with Bob and Tom the owners and asking for public comment on ways they can improve and stay open.

“Bob and I keep laughing constantly that instead of pushing back we're pushing forward we don’t want to take those steps back and being able to come up with ideas like movie night you are right it is very expensive,” Stewart said.

They’re all hoping the extra bucks they're spending now, will be fruitful in the end.

RELATED: Rye to close its doors for good

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RELATED: Guidance on gatherings scaled back, limited to 10 or fewer people in Kentucky

RELATED: Kentucky couple on house arrest for refusing to sign self-isolation order after one tests positive for coronavirus

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