The New Normal: What's next to revitalize businesses?

News 12 Elizabeth Hashagen was joined by Dana Lancellotti, the president and CEO of the NJ Restaurant & Hospitality Association, and Dave Kapell, of The Rauch Foundation to discuss what's next in the revitalization of businesses.

News 12 Staff

May 24, 2021, 1:55 PM

Updated 1,312 days ago

Share:

News 12 Elizabeth Hashagen was joined by Dana Lancellotti, the president and CEO of the NJ Restaurant & Hospitality Association, and Dave Kapell, of The Rauch Foundation to discuss what's next in the revitalization of businesses.
Most coronavirus restrictions were lifted across our area Wednesday, marking a big moment in the fight against COVID-19. Almost every business is allowed to operate at 100% capacity in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
This past weekend, New Jersey still had an indoor mask mandate. Did that affect people coming out this weekend?
We know that taking off the mask is based on the honor system, which is a cause of concern for many. Is it effective? How about outdoor dining, did it help businesses?
Rauch Foundation data shows that more than 1 in 3 downtown food and beverage or retail businesses projected over 50% loss of revenue in 2020 compared to 2019. Businesses in lower-income communities and businesses of color were more likely to be impacted by the pandemic, due to lack of access to capital and online marketing, difficulty accessing federal aid and lack of information. What happens next?