Oz. Taphouse in Austin. | Contributed photo
Oz. Taphouse in Austin. | Contributed photo
Bars and restaurants in Austin have seen a large drop in customers as they've been mandated to suspend dine-in operations due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Krista and Sean Kanter, owners of Oz. Taphouse in Four Points, said regular business has dropped by 80% since March 20, when the statewide order to close dine-in eating and bars went into effect.
“The ironic thing is the week before, we had record-breaking sales,” Krista told Community Impact Newspaper. “Coincidentally, before this all happened, we had just launched our online takeout portal that is tied to our website.”
The Kanters and John Odette, their business partner, have also gone from having 23 employees to four, but plan on hiring them all back once the crisis has ended.
Oz. Taphouse is now offering to-go, curbside pick-up and delivery orders. The owners have also set up a fund for those who have been laid off or fired and can't afford a meal right now.
“We know that there are many families and individuals who may not be able to afford a good meal right now,” Oz. Taphouse said in a statement. “So, we are challenging anyone who feels called upon to donate a meal. Donate $20, $50, $100 or more.”
The Oz. Taphouse COVID-19 Food Fund is accepting donations on a GoFundMe page and in person at the restaurant. Anyone who is struggling to afford food can call the restaurant and order a meal through the fund with no questions asked, the owners said.
“We just started last week and are going to see how far it can go, and my partner, John [Odette], is going to see about reaching out to churches and other places,” Sean Kanter told the Community Impact Newspaper.
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