Six in 10 adults have changed their restaurant use due to the rise in the delta variant of COVID-19, according to a survey from the National Restaurant Association. In addition, 19 percent of adults have stopped going out to restaurants due to the same reason, and 9 percent have cancelled existing plans to go out to a restaurant in recent weeks.
"For an industry that requires a 'full house' every evening to make a profit, this is a dangerous trend," said Sean Kennedy, executive vice president of public affairs for the National Restaurant Association, in a statement. "These changes indicate declining consumer confidence that will make it more difficult for most restaurant owners to maintain their delicate financial stability."
In a letter to Congressional leadership, the NRA shared these findings and urged Congress to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and offer relief for the 177,000 applications (totaling $43.6 billion) still pending.
"The rise of coronavirus variants like delta threaten to push these restaurants closer to permanently closing their doors," continued Kennedy. The RRF has proven its effectiveness in every state, saving restaurants, workers, and the suppliers who depend on their business. The small gains that our industry has made toward financial security are in danger of being wiped out, dashing the hopes of communities, entrepreneurs, and consumers nationwide."
Related: NYC Restaurants Fear Losing Sales from Vaccine Requirements; SBA Revokes Additional Restaurant Revitalization Funds.