NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — Another Nashville restaurant is closing its doors because of the pandemic. The owner says the regulations from the city were just too much to survive.
While other businesses are trying to stay afloat one other owner says he is worried they could be next.
"I think my business is safe today, it doesn’t mean that my business will be safe in six months," said Carey Bringle, owner of Peg Leg Porker.
Bringle says he’s barely getting by so far this year because of the pandemic and restaurant regulations.
He says it’s been a strain and he won’t make any money this year. Bringle says when he steps outside businesses in the Gulch are already pulling the plug.
"We saw Bar Otaku has closed, a real loss for the neighborhood," he said.
NewsChannel 5 learned another restaurant is set to close next week. The owner, who wants to remain anonymous, said through email, since March 13, they lost thousands of dollars in catering and 75% of his crowd size.
Bringle says what restaurants and bars want is a seat at the table when it comes to Metro’s decision making on the pandemic.
"The regulations closing a 10:30 at night, it doesn’t hurt me but it hurts a lot of bars and a lot of other restaurants," said Bringle.
He says the city is doing it all wrong and increasing property taxes he says, is hurting these small businesses even more.
Bringle says they’re also asking the administration to use money from the CARES act for rapid testing for the hospitality industry.
He says quick test results will alleviate some stress on companies.
