Restaurants, Bars Prepare for Potential Business Rebound This Halloween – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
After the pandemic forced many people to change their traditional Halloween plans over the past year or put some on hold entirely, companies are preparing to see the crowd this weekend on par with pre-pandemic public holidays.
Emil Bragdon, the owner of the Fort Worth reservoir, said Halloween is usually a busy day for all of his restaurants. Last Halloween was the exception.
“I don’t think it’s getting any busier [this year] and I don’t think it’s going to slow down, but I think it’s going to be as busy as it has been in the past, ”said Bragdon. “We were busy. People really wanted out, out. Not that the virus isn’t there, but people want to live life a bit. “
Most of Bragdon’s restaurants are getting back on track and doing better than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. While the demand is there, he found that the workforce and the supply chain are two areas where entrepreneurs like him still find a challenge.
“I can honestly say that sometimes I am not 100% proud of the service we offer, but we do our best. I’m not the only one saying that. That’s almost every restaurant and bar, ”he said. “It makes me sick that we can’t offer this 100% service that I can stand behind, but we’re literally stuck with all managers, all owners. We sit here trying to make sure the guest experience is good. It was hard.”
If people decide to go out this weekend, Melissa Stewart of the Texas Restaurant Association said it is recommended that you check with companies first. Some locations may operate at adjusted times or require reservations.
“But the other thing is, as you find in the grocery store, our supplier doesn’t always have everything,” said Stewart. “So your favorite chilada may not be there, or that particular cut of beef. So be a little flexible. Remember, you are going to have a good time and we are here to serve you. “
Flexibility and patience are two things Bragdon says all property owners demand from their customers, whether they are vacationing or not. Despite the challenges, he said he was grateful to stay open after 2020 uncertainty.
“Now that we have this big hump behind us, I am very optimistic about the future. I have a very good feeling about where we are going, ”he said.
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