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INDUSTRY STORIES
Meet some of the amazing people that make up the restaurant and bar service industry here in Texas!
"March 16th was our last day open, and while I’ve applied for unemployment and food stamps, the phrase “closed indefinitely” makes for a very uncertain future. Trying to remain positive, but I miss my job!"
"My name is Elizabeth. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, there was a little group of us that had managed to stick together for the last year. We survived being displaced, twice; one of the businesses shut their doors without informing the staff and the other business switched ownership right before SXSW, effectively making us unemployed right before the festival. I also work in theatre as a sound designer and scenic painter and I was in a contract when the outbreak happened. Our show was canceled three weeks early because we were really starting to see the effects of people not going out, purchasing tickets, and our sow attendance was lower than 50% or presale tickets."
"Like most of you, I was a bit blindsided by all of this. I’m still employed, but as hours are at a premium for to-go shifts, I haven’t worked in two weeks. I’m looking forward to getting back to work when this has passed. The uncertainty of the future is tough. The financial strain is tough. The isolation and boredom is probably the worst of it. Hope you are all doing well. Take care of yourselves and each other. "
"I’m one of the millions whose life and income are being put on hold due to this disaster. Single mom...breadwinner of the house...just like many others...but the bills don’t stop. I can honestly say that we (service industry as a whole) have completely come together as a community to help each other and give back to one another. To anyone struggling out there, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. The resources are out there. We’re going to get through this. If anyone needs anything, even if it’s just a good pep talk, I’m here. Feel free to reach out! Good luck my peeps!"
"Just like everyone else on this app, I’ve been a server/bartender for about 8 years. With everything going on recently, my job has been shut down. I have no other source of income and I live by myself in Austin. A little scared with how everything will turn out financially."
"Hi SI family, I hope you’re doing as well as you can during this time. I’m a part of the Seasoned family but have been a part of the SI my whole life. My dad owns a small restaurant in my hometown and he’s currently having to figure out how to handle this best for his staff, business, and our family. It’s been a struggle and stressful and the last thing anyone ever thought would happen for so many. I’m so worried for my family...but also for the entire community. If I know one thing about this industry - especially since I’ve grown up in it - is that we are reluctant and hard working. I don’t know how or when, but we will get through this with the support of each other. Thinking of all of you. ❤️"
"I am a husband and the father of two young boys and therefore, must press on. I’ve waited tables for 12 straight years and my restaurant shut its doors on Monday (3/16). I am writing this from a social services office as I apply for food stamps. No restaurants are hiring, and my bills and rent are going unpaid. I am able-bodied and able-minded and need work in the Washington, D.C. area. Can anyone help me? "
"I’m a server at a bar that opened less than 2 months ago and have lost work for the next 6 weeks like most other service industry workers in Austin. Like most of my peers, I can’t afford to not work for that long, but doing my best to stay positive!"
"I am a 30 year old single mother who is bartending full time in Miami, Florida, and one of my customers got sick and was positive for the Coronavirus. I was put into quarantine for 14 days. As soon as my 14 days were up, my restaurant and bar shut down. What am I supposed to do now for a whole month plus the 14 days I couldn’t work? Praying this goes away soon."