Restaurunt Struggles

For covid expenses has also helped.

Restaurants are still struggling financially...even with more outdoor seating... and now, a new foe is almost here...winter temperatures.

Abc 36's monica harkins talked to one lexington restaurant that says it's battling eviction...without even taking winter into account.

### monica: tents and heaters can be an option for winterizing a patio.

Here at old vine bistro the owner told me the tent isn't an option for them."

Outdoo seating has become a hot commodity... but soon...it might freeze people out...and that's not something restaurants can afford.

Old vine bistro owner larry dean says he tried a tent to fight the cold but the patio is too small...not allowing enough distance.

Inside... it received a grant from several local organizations to install an air filtration system.

"larry dean: lexington ha always had a nice dining scene and different styles of food, atmosphere, diversity that we've always had and i'm afraid we may lose that if this continues on.

" dean says he's still hopeful about the possibility of federal money coming from the restaurant act but it's unclear if or when that would pass.

In the mean time, there's a go fund me set up to help pay the rent for this month and next.

It's raised just over $600 dollars with a ten thousand dollar goal.

Larry: "stress, doubt jus trying to figure out a way to keep everybody working."

Thi comes as lexington is in a red zone...a time when the governor recommends carry out only.

Dean feels the way a lot of restaurant owners say they do...torn between keeping people safe...and keeping the doors open.

"monica: he also says it's abou what you're comfortable with, wether that's carrying out or dining in.

He's says they've done everything that they can to make the experience a healthy and safe one during a pandemic.

In lexington, monica harkins, abc 36 news."

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