(WXYZ) — The Michigan restaurant industry took a massive hit in March due to the COVID-19 outbreak, losing an estimated $491 million and 72,000 jobs. That's according to a survey from the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association.
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According to the survey, 84% of restaurant operators say they they their total dollar sales volume from March 1 to March 22 was lower than the same period last year. Nine percent reported higher sales, and seven percent say they were about the same.
When it came to layoffs, 62% of operators said they laid off employees, with 47% anticipating doing more in the next 30 days.
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More than half also said they cut employee hours and reduced their hours of operations, at 62% and 61% respectively.
Many places have changed their business to curbside and delivery only, and 44% said they changed to off-premises, while 41% closed all-together.
One of the most jarring reports is that 1% of operators permanently closed their restaurants, but in the next 30 days, 9% anticipate permanently closing.
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