One of the sectors hit the hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic is the restaurant industry. More than 110,000 restaurants have closed permanently or until further notice — that is one in six American eateries that have been affected.
One of the sectors hit the hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic is the restaurant industry. Throughout the pandemic, Pennsylvania restaurants have had no or limited indoor dining in accordance with Governor Wolf's orders. Roosevelt Tavern, owned by Byron Kehr and located in York, is one of the restaurants affected by those restrictions.
One of the lesser-known challenges restaurant owners face is the impact of short notice closings and restrictions. For example, restaurants may order food at the beginning of the week for in-person dining, only to be met with closures by weeks' end. This results in food waste and wasted money. Restaurants are also experiencing challenges with their staff. Service industry workers are quitting in order to find more stable jobs, leaving restaurants short-staffed and struggling to find replacements in an already-difficult job market.
It's evident that independently owned restaurants need our support. Roosevelt Tavern has been a Keller-Brown client for many years and we want to help them by spreading the word about their wonderful restaurant. Whether you are able to enjoy Roosevelt Tavern's upscale, locally-sourced cuisine in their dining room or can pick up a meal via takeout, we encourage you to check out their menu right now, place an order and play a part in supporting a York County establishment going through some very challenging times.
Sarah Brown: When did you purchase Roosevelt Tavern? What does it mean to you?
Byron Kehr: We purchased the restaurant in December 2011. I have been in the restaurant business for 36 years. I started when I was 14 years old and have always dreamt of having my own restaurant. The restaurant industry is all I have ever known.
Sarah: How has COVID-19 affected your business?
Byron: Covid-19 has really devastated the restaurant industry nationally with closing indoor dining and limited capacity throughout the year. The closure of indoor dining over the holiday season especially hurt. Between holiday parties, New Years Eve celebrations, and gift card sales, it's our busiest time of year.
Sarah: What keeps you and your team going in times like this?
Byron: This is our livelihood which means we need to find ways to pivot and push through these most trying times.
Sarah: What have been some positive things to come out of 2020?
Byron: Business-wise, not too much good came out of 2020, but it did allow us to start up a carryout soup business that has really helped throughout the pandemic. Our soups have made it to local neighborhoods and have even been enjoyed by the healthcare heroes at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Personally, one positive is that I was able to spend much more quality time at home with my family. I also took an opportunity to be outdoors more, enjoying kayaking and hiking.
Sarah: Why should customers come to your restaurant?
Byron: To enjoy great food and service in a safe, comfortable atmosphere. It's a great place to be!
Sarah: What are some of your favorite meals on the menu? My favorites are clam & mussel steamer (it's so good I could swim in it!) and the filet mignon is always perfectly prepared.
Byron: It's tough to choose, but I must say I love our braised beef short ribs, crab cakes, seafood pasta, and locally sourced steaks.
Sarah: What are you looking forward to in 2021?
Byron: I'm looking forward to getting back to some normalcy and operating at full capacity. Supporting local businesses is more important than ever during these times.
You can support Roosevelt Tavern by ordering a meal this weekend to celebrate their reopening. Roosevelt Tavern is open for safe, socially-distanced indoor dining and carry-out Friday and Saturday from 4 pm to 9 pm. Keep your eyes open for expanded times in the near future.
To place an order, please call 717-854-7725 EXT #104.
Website: https://roosevelttavern.com/
Address: 50 North Penn Street, York PA
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheRooseveltTavern/