Too small to fail: Four words that can change the restaurant industry

Four words can have an impact that reaches the heart of a community. The restaurant industry asks that everyone understand the impact of too small to fail.

Too small to fail. The world in in uncharted territory. While times of crisis can bring out the best of people, the uncertainty of today’s world has left everyone unsure, uneasy and questioning what can be done. Three words could and should make a difference.

Think back to your last birthday celebration. Did you spend it at your favorite local restaurant? What about the night that your husband proposed? Or, is there a place where you spend your anniversary every year?

For many people, local restaurants are the place where we celebrate happy occasions, milestones or just an excuse to see familiar faces. What if that local restaurant was shuttered for far longer, maybe forever?

While many restaurants are trying to find ways to keep their businesses running, to give their employees a paycheck and to just stay afloat, the to-go orders, curbside pick-ups and delivery options will need more help. With just four words, too small to fail, more people can spread awareness for this dire situation.

A group of restaurateurs in the Chicago area prepared the following statement:

"This week tens of thousands of independent restaurants were forced to close their doors in the fight against COVID-19. In just a matter of days, millions of restaurant industry workers in America lost their jobs. How will these workers, who did nothing wrong themselves, pay rent, care for children, and feed themselves and their families? And what will happen to the independent businesses— the diners, bars, cafes, and restaurants— that make our towns and cities the places we love?"

The group is asking for anyone to reach out on social media with the tags, #toosmalltofail #saveamericasrestaurants. This plea can be made to representatives, senators and everyone across all the channels.

Small business is at the heart of many cities. Whether it is your favorite restaurant, a local nail salon or the trendy boutique. Those owners and employees are friends and neighbors.

In times of crisis, people find compassion, resilience and determination. If everyone does their part, we can find a way to make it through these uncertain times.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.