Can the restaurant industry survive the coronavirus shutdown?
This week’s edition of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Ed Doherty, the chairman and CEO of Doherty Enterprises, who speaks about the impact the coronavirus shutdown has had on his business.
Doherty Enterprises is one of the largest franchisee companies in the U.S., with 146 Applebee’s, Panera Bread, Chevy’s and Quaker Steak & Lube locations.
Last week, Doherty had to furlough his nearly 8,000 employees after sales plunged 85% when dine-in sales were forbidden. He talks about doing that with a staff filled with employees who’ve been with the company for decades. And he talks about other steps he took to keep going, and what it will take to remain in business.
He also gives his thoughts on what the government should do to keep the restaurant industry from feeling the devastating effects of the shutdown.
Please have a listen.
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