SALISBURY, Md. - There is growing frustration from restaurant owners who say they are struggling to survive amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
John Knorr, co-owner of Southern Boys Concepts, which is the parent company for several restaurants including Evo Public House, The Red Roost and Sobo's Wine Beerstro, said he and other owners, through the Association of Maryland Restaurants, sent Gov. Larry Hogan's office a list of recommendations which included being able to open outdoor seating in Phase 1.
Last Wednesday, Hogan announced the state's move into Phase 1 of the "Roadmap to Recovery", which began Friday, May 15. Knorr said he was discouraged to learn that restaurants would not be included in that phase.
"In March and April there was $1.4 billion in restaurant sales that were lost in the state of Maryland," said Knorr. "Without any good information or path being communicated to the restaurants, people are losing hope."
John Fager, owner of the iconic Fager's Island in Ocean City, shares Knorr's frustration. Last Saturday, parts of Ocean City were opened per Hogan's phase one lifting of restrictions but Fager's was still only able to offer carry-out, something he said will not cut it.
"Saturday we did 4.7% of what we did a year ago," Fager said.
As things stand, a change to restaurant operations is likely part of Phase 2. However, Knorr and Fager say many restaurants are at a critical mass now.
"Ocean City is not like the rest of the state," explained Fager. "If Ocean City loses June, July and August, that's their whole year."
"It's a business of pennies and those pennies have run out," said Knorr.
The Restaurant Association of Maryland tells WBOC that although Hogan has heard the concerns of the industry, restaurants are desperate for the governor to take action because that is the only way they can survive.
Governor Hogan's Office tells WBOC they have been in close communication with the association and are taking what measures they can to assist restaurant owners. However, they say they must exercise caution to protect restaurant customers and employees.