This is the latest in an occasional series looking at independent restaurants closing their doors permanently due to the pandemic.
The gulf between big chains and independents continues to widen as the coronavirus pandemic rages across much of the U.S.
Major restaurant chains have largely recovered their pre-pandemic sales, according to a report released this week by Bank of America. Small chains continue to lag, with the gap widening, the report found.
Large chains often have drive-thrus and were adept at takeout and delivery pre-pandemic, contributing to their continued success.
Independent restaurants, however, were largely unprepared to meet the limited-contact demands of the pandemic. They continue to struggle with reduced-capacity restrictions in dining rooms, as well as re-closures when an employee tests positive for the virus or reopening rollbacks are mandated by local governments.
Independents, many of which operated for decades, are closing their doors in unprecedented numbers. Here’s our fourth installment of independent restaurants that have recently announced permanent closures.