Seattle businesses react to state's temporary shut down of restaurants and bars

Another setback for restaurants already battered by the coronavirus outbreak. Gov. Jay Inslee has signed an emergency order temporarily shutting down restaurants, bars and recreational spaces statewide in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

KUOW’s food reporter Ruby de Luna joins us to talk about what this means and how businesses are responding.

The governor’s order means restaurants will only be open for take-out orders. The announcement will affect 300,000 people, according to the Washington Hospitality Association which represents restaurants and hotels.

Many restaurants already offer take-out. But for some like Than Vi, a Vietnamese restaurant in the University District, business remains slow. It's so slow that co-owner Iris Tran says she has let three part-time staff go.

“We used to be quite busy all the time and now suddenly we have nothing else to do. We just keep cleaning and cleaning and sit here and waiting.”

Some restaurants have decided to shut down temporarily. Tom Douglas Restaurants announced last week it was closing 12 of its 13 restaurants. Like many downtown core businesses, they rely on tourism.

One neighborhood restaurant closed, but for a slightly different reason.

“A lot of my staff lives with their parents or their grandparents,” said Melissa Miranda, chef owner of Musang, a Filipino restaurant on Beacon Hill.

After working in restaurants in Italy, New York, and Seattle, Miranda opened her own business in January. They started offering to-go orders last week and business was brisk. But in the end, she and her staff decided to shut down at least until April even if it meant financial hardships for herself and her staff.

“People were ordering which was great from the perspective of being supported, however there was still traffic at the door and there are occasions where how can I feel like people aren’t being exposed.”

Last week, the state’s Employment Security Department announced emergency rules to help people who’ve been financially affected by the outbreak. The rules allow them to apply for the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave.

Additional reporting by KUOW reporter Amy Radil.