For those that don't mind a read:
Working within this industry in several capacities for much of my life, Ive always believed in the immensity of creative bodies to problem solve whatever came our way. I worked for Ian Schrager of Studio 54, who then became 'The Creator' of the Boutique Hotel. I was brainwashed early with love for creation of 'ethos' within restaurants or hotels that would almost make them feel alive. I was infatuated with the tangible methods that could create intangible feeling. We would create to atmospheres and aesthetics that had awoken me to the 'ethos' and spirit that we built within the hotels and restaurants. We understood to certain degrees that creating something that we could quantify brought a feeling that the guest couldn't dissect. But most importantly, we ultimately always realized that whatever we created needed one critical variable in order to make our business come alive, the addition of the guest. No matter how magical Disney is, it is the guest that truly brings it alive. Our hotels manifested another level of ethos within the business once the guests became a part of our show.
My belief in this industry has always been that creativity will win. The ones that create feel rather than just nice rooms or good food, could get past anything because we understood the guests better than others. We exemplified empathy from a commercial standpoint and designed what a lifestyle brand really meant, a connection between inanimate and human.
Now would be a good time to say I am an alarmist, a cynic, but through my rambling it is apparent that Ive always been a believer -- which is what makes what I'm going to say all the more devastating --
We now are at the precipice of something I didn't ever think I would see. As we move past this summer in northern cities, not even the greatest, most creative restauranteurs or hoteliers can survive the storm that awaits. By no means is it just my industry that is facing immense degradation but it's the only one I can speak to appropriately. Once the outdoor seating begins to wane and eventually is relegated indoors again to a capacity incapable of financial survival, we will start to see a tsunami of closures and subsequent financial issues with massive unemployment increases, mortgage defaults, lease defaults, litigation, bankruptcy and all the collateral damage that comes with it.
For many, it's inescapable and I'm in the thick of it and witnessing it already. I don't say this for any other reason than to ask that when able and viable, please support your local restaurants (and Obviously all local businesses). The only ones that most likely will be able to survive are larger corporations and those backed heavily and willing to absorb considerable losses (and as we've seen, there are no guarantees anywhere). The industry has a negative outlook and banks are wary, as are investors. Restaurant and hotels will close and many buildings will stay dormant for a good while.
I want to make it clear because apparently nothing isn't political these days BUT this is not, by any means. I deeply hope no matter what you believe in or who you blame, that you realize this is where we are and THIS is about empathy and understanding for an industry that WE ALL have used as a form of escapism. Whether it's a night out from the kids, the significant other or a vacation from the monotony, it's always been there for us.
We all need this industry and I believe many do not believe that there could be a collapse of the current state, but it is likely, and it would be catastrophic.
I just ask for an awareness and to do your own thinking, reading and understanding on what another 6-9 months would do to those that are struggling even now, in summer months. In order to regain the way of life we all yearn for daily, the businesses that helped form your happiness within your pre-Covid life must survive and reach your post-Covid life. I wish everyone ease from this nightmare, love for everyone and the hope that we come together and stop tearing ourselves apart. This industry has been a territory for all and we all need it.
If you got this far through my rambling, thank you for listening.
Love and Health to you All.
As summer winds down, the vacancies are adding up quickly while tenants await help from City Hall and the marketplace’s developer.
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