Crisis Managment #33: Ohio Restaurant Association's John Barker and restaurant perceptions and realities

Women Of Influence

Few industries have been battered as much by Covid-19 as the restaurant industry.

An estimated 11% of the state’s restaurants have closed for good and the fear is that number could rise if relief from operating restrictions, additional aid or both don’t arrive.

Ohio Restaurant Association President and CEO John Barker spoke with Columbus Business First for this episode of crisis management.

“People are feeling like they really want to get their business going again,” he said.

But that’s easier said than done.

Restaurants and bars are still dealing with capacity limits, while establishments with a heavy late night business are additionally “decimated” by Ohio’s 10 p.m. alcohol sales cutoff. And winter is coming, which will take away outdoor patio seating that’s been a benefit to businesses through the summer.

Barker also sees a perception problem as his members feel the industry is getting an unfair share of blame for the virus’ spread.

The issue is more complex than data alone, but the data that is available on outbreak investigations and enforcement actions support the assertion that while there are some bad actors, the industry overall is following the rules.

“We don’t want anybody to lose their license, infringe on anybody’s ability to run their business,” he said. “But if you’re an outlier and you’re doing all these violations and that’s what’s causing the public perception, we have to correct that.”

Bad actors should be punished, not the entire industry.

“I’ve walked into dozens of restaurants and met with owners and walk those restaurants,” he said. “They’re working so hard to make sure that it’s as safe as it possibly can be and we got to protect them.”

Barker talks about the push-pull between being a good and willing partner with the state and Gov. Mike DeWine, while also wanting to get a fair shake.

He also shares updates on work toward increasing aid for restaurants including expanded unemployment benefits for workers, a new round of Paycheck Protection Program funding and an expansion of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits that could allow recipients to use those benefits at restaurants.