COMBINATION OF FACTORS.. AND THAT BULLYING AT THE SCHOOL WOULD BE INVESTIGATED.. 12 SOUTHERN MAINE RESTAURANTS HAVE CLOSED IN JUST 12 WEEKS… THAT’S ACCORDING TO THE “MAINE REAL ESTATE AND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION”. TODAY – THE GROUP INVITED STAKEHOLDERS TO JOIN IN ON A CONVERSATION ABOUT THE ISSUES CAUSING THOSE CLOSURES. THE PANEL OF INDUSTRY EXPERTS TALKED ABOUT FACTORS LIKE RISING COSTS FOR LABOR AND UTILITIES, HOW COMPETITORS IMPACT BUSINESS AND THE IMPACT THE PANDEMIC HAD ON THE INDUSTRY. JOSH MIRANDA — OWNER OF RESTAURANTS LIKE VIA VECCIA AND HENRY’S PUBLIC HOUSE — FEELS THE RISING COSTS OF RESIDENTIAL EXPENSES PLAY A BIG PART TOO. “THERE IS A LACK OF DISPOSABLE INCOME FOR A LOT OF LOCALS WHERE THEY DON’T HAVE THE MONEY THEY ONCE DID TO GO OUT AND SPEND MONEY AT LOCAL RESTAURANTS, BECAUSE OF HIGH RENTS, HIGH GROCERY BILLS. WHERE SOMEBODY WOULD GO OUT ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK, THEY’RE GOING OUT ONCE OR TWICE A MONTH NOW.” MIRANDA SAYS IF YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE SMALL BUSINESS FINANCIALLY, CONSIDE
Maine restaurateurs say rising costs contributed to recent closures
According to the Maine Real Estate & Development Association, 12 restaurants in southern Maine closed in 12 weeks.
The Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) reports that 12 restaurants in Southern Maine closed in 12 weeks. The association invited 3 Portland-area experts to speak on a panel about the challenges the restaurant industry is facing. Moderator Josh Soley lead the discussion with Josh Miranda, owner and founder of the Miranda Group; Jay Villani, chef and owner of Local 188, Salvage BBQ, and Black Cow Burgers & Fries; and Richard Pfeffer, the co-owner of Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub.They spoke about factors like rising costs for labor and utilities, how competitors impact business and the impact the pandemic had on the industry. Miranda, who owns restaurants like Via Vecchia and Henry’s Public House in Portland’s Old Port, feels the rising costs of residential expenses play a big part too. “There is a lack of disposable income for a lot of locals where they don’t have the money they once did to go out and spend money at local restaurants, because of high rents, high grocery bills,” Miranda said. “Where somebody would go out once or twice a week, they’re going out once or twice a month now.”Miranda said if someone can’t afford to support their favorite small business financially, they should consider leaving positive reviews online or sharing their social media posts.Previous coverage:
The Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) reports that 12 restaurants in Southern Maine closed in 12 weeks. The association invited 3 Portland-area experts to speak on a panel about the challenges the restaurant industry is facing.
Moderator Josh Soley lead the discussion with Josh Miranda, owner and founder of the Miranda Group; Jay Villani, chef and owner of Local 188, Salvage BBQ, and Black Cow Burgers & Fries; and Richard Pfeffer, the co-owner of Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub.
They spoke about factors like rising costs for labor and utilities, how competitors impact business and the impact the pandemic had on the industry. Miranda, who owns restaurants like Via Vecchia and Henry’s Public House in Portland’s Old Port, feels the rising costs of residential expenses play a big part too.
“There is a lack of disposable income for a lot of locals where they don’t have the money they once did to go out and spend money at local restaurants, because of high rents, high grocery bills,” Miranda said. “Where somebody would go out once or twice a week, they’re going out once or twice a month now.”
Miranda said if someone can’t afford to support their favorite small business financially, they should consider leaving positive reviews online or sharing their social media posts.