By Kent Kopp, founder of Pike and Pint Grill, Alexandria, MN
Maybe if I explain this another way it might make sense to those who wonder why we are so upset.
We are being asked to sacrifice in order to save lives. That is a concept as an individual I can get behind. No problems with that. What other businesses are contributing to the effort to save lives in this pandemic?
Pharmaceutical companies have pushed the boundaries of science to get us vaccines in order to save lives. They are not doing this for free. They will be paid for their efforts.
Manufacturers of PPE have done an amazing job ramping up production of much needed materials. They are not doing it for free. They are getting paid for their efforts.
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Medical equipment manufacturers rallied to quickly manufacture items like ventilators in order to save lives. They are not doing it for free. They are getting paid for their efforts.
Restaurants have been shut down in order to save lives. But we are supposed to wipe out our life savings or completely shut down and lose everything for our efforts.
The other industries are not being asked to take pennies on the dollar for the gigantic investments they are making in the name of public health. Personally, this shutdown will require me to invest well over $100,000 to save lives. I am told I should be happy to receive a $20,000 grant in compensation for my investment. I am not asking to profit on my investment. I am asking for government to compensate restaurant owners enough for us to be able to see the other side of this tragedy without wiping out everything we have.
So, I ask for everyone out there to exercise patience as restaurant owners pull out what little hair we have left. Most of us have been patient. Most of us have taken it all in stride and have also contributed above and beyond to help our communities. Most of us do have your safety and health firmly at the front of our minds. Most of us do understand that our guests are doing their best to support us. Love and peace to you all!
