Virginia Restaurants Face New Challenges in Full Reopening

By CHRISTINA AMANO DOLAN of Capital News Service
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia restaurants will soon be able to host more patrons, but establishments may not be able to accommodate more guests due to a shortage in workers. Gov. Ralph Northam recently announced that restaurants and drinking establishments will be able to seat up to 100 patrons indoors and a maximum of 250 guests outdoors starting May 15. Eric Terry, president of the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association, estimated around 100 Richmond restaurants closed last year, but said there have been minimal closures this year. Terry said many restaurants are likely nearing 80% of their pre-pandemic revenue levels.