Restaurants in Philadelphia begin temporary closures as cases of covid-19 spread

As cases of covid-19 striker, Philadelphia restaurants and food companies have begun to shut down temporarily, signaling yet another wild ride on the roller coaster for public companies.

For some restaurateurs, the voluntary shutdowns are a difficult decision, as many employees are vaccinated, boosted and masked at work, and take precautions when restaurants in Philadelphia move into the height of the high season. The shutdowns follow a wave of closures in New York City, among other places.

Many restaurants insist on proof of vaccinations for employees and guests, ahead of new city rules that take effect on January 3.

Sally, a bar-restaurant in the Fitler Square area, closed on Friday after two employees̵[ads1]7; outbursts. “We are super-conservative,” said co-owner Cary Borish, who employs 30 people there.

Borish said Sally’s reopening is Wednesday, but he could not confirm this with certainty – a disturbing situation. “Restaurants succeed on two basic principles: consistency and continuity,” he said.

»READ MORE: What You Need to Know About the Philadelphia Vaccine Mandate

Closing a restaurant, even for a weekend, is disruptive, except that customers’ plans are disrupted.

“We are already in a challenging economic climate, and when you close, it puts us in a precarious position,” Borish said. Hourly employees cannot work, while perishable food remains untouched and income dries up.

»READ MORE: Philadelphia has closed only 19 restaurants for violating COVID-19

December is traditionally one of the busiest months of the year. When restaurants enter the slow season from January to Valentine’s Day, he fears that the upheaval may require more restaurants.

Restaurateurs interviewed on Saturday feared an increase in cancellations of reservations.

Middle Child Clubhouse, a new bar-restaurant in Fishtown, closed Saturday after owner Matt Cahn reported that employees tested positive. He plans to test everyone and then decide when to reopen.

Jose Pistola’s and Sancho Pistola’s announced on Instagram that both restaurants were closed on Saturday “as we celebrate the start of the Omnikron season. Should be the best so far.” Jose Pistola’s, in Center City, is expected to reopen on Sunday, while Sancho Pistola’s, in Fishtown, is back on Monday.

Korshak Bagels, a popular bakery in southern Philadelphia, announced Friday that it would be closed over the weekend due to COVID, “because we, as a store, must respect the health and safety of each and every one of us, all of us.” wrote owner Philip Korshak on Instagram. He said the store would reopen on Wednesday, the usual opening day after the weekend, pending the results of the tests.

Philadelphia announced on December 13 that proof of covid-19 vaccination would be required to eat indoors, watch a movie, attend a wedding, or go to a Sixers or Flyers game in Philadelphia starting Jan. 3.

In his announcement, Philadelphia Health Commissioner Cheryl Bettigole said, “This winter looks set to be very difficult. We need to do something to slow the spread now before it’s too late.”