Here we go. Beshear closes restaurants. APRON can help.

[Robin Garr]

As I'm sure you know before you got in here this morning, From WLKY-32:

Following the lead in Ohio, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Monday he plans to close restaurants and bars to in-person traffic across the state of Kentucky.
During his Sunday news conference, he warned he could be forced to make that decision.
He said he will do "everything we can to help the financial impact" of that decision.
One of the measures he's taking is waiving the period of unemployment in the state.
He's also encouraging people to order takeout, take advantage of drive-thrus, delivery, etc. Beshear said he'll have more guidance on that later.
The order has not yet been issued, but Beshear said he hopes to have all restaurants and bars closed by 5 p.m. Monday.

Meanwhile, the amazing folks at APRON Inc. are doing what they can to help.

Statement regarding
APRON Inc and COVID-19

APRON has been honored to be a part of the
Louisville Restaurant Community
for the last eight and a half years.
In this time we have been an integral part of the healing process during many challenges- fires, floods, and roof collapses, in addition to the everyday setbacks our grantees have suffered.
A new challenge is about to hit our employees and we will be here, as we always are, to help as well as we can.
In an effort to help as many people as possible, while at the same time keeping a working reserve to help out our regular grantees, here is what we are doing.

We are setting up a $10,000 emergency fund.
We will be giving grants of $400 to eligible applicants.

To be eligible for a grant a person must:
1) Be diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus (we will require a doctor’s letter).
2) Be employed in an independent restaurant at least six months.
3) Be able to produce bills to be paid (we do not give money directly to grantees).

With business slow downs, possible quarantines, and closures we wish we could do more, but we are a small charity and have a finite amount of money to be dispersed.
As time goes on we will revisit these guidelines and let you all know
of any changes.
Please keep safe in the coming months- and know that we are here to
Serve those who serve others.
To apply: www.aproninc.org/application

Every little bit is going to help. Godspeed.

[Robin Garr]

I saw a post from CostCo indicating that they're slammed, looking for temporary help, and eager to offer bridge employment to servers put out of work. If you're affected, it's worth a call to your nearest branch.

Thanks for posting this, Robin. Its a no-brainer for those in the industry, but not for guys like me who didn't think about it until I saw this post. This is a great tool and I hope it can be optimized. My part is on the way.

ITS TIME TO RISE AND SHOW STRENGTH, COOL HEADS, COMPASSION AND LEADERSHIP!!!

[Robin Garr]

Thanks, James. That’s great.

I am thankful to Apron and the multiple ways that chefs, restaurants and others are jumping in to help. I do worry a bit about the requirement of: Be diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus (we will require a doctor’s letter).

Maybe testing will change and expand greatly locally soon? But currently this seems like a LARGE hurdle unless you happened to have worked the Speed Art ball.

Please correct me if I am wrong. And if anyone has guidance on getting tested locally if you are someone who has not left the country or had known direct exposure, please let me know.

[Robin Garr]

That's a very good question, Heather. I was surprised by the specificity also, but I surmise that they're looking to the future and the fear that it becomes a lot more widespread. Hoping it never happens, I'm hunkering down and social distancing, and I hope you all are, too!

That's a very good question, Heather. I was surprised by the specificity also, but I surmise that they're looking to the future and the fear that it becomes a lot more widespread. Hoping it never happens, I'm hunkering down and social distancing, and I hope you all are, too!

We definitely are but my husband is sick

[Robin Garr]

We definitely are but my husband is sick

Wishing him well, and you and your family too, Heather. Tough times, but we're all in it together.

My daughter, a single mom to a toddler, is a server/bartender in Louisville (though not at an independent restaurant). I'm scared to death for her. I will pass this info along to her, as she may know servers in local indies. Appreciate all APRON does for the community!

APRON is reconsidering the provision that requires a diagnoses- we will let you all know,

The LEE Initiative is also offering to-go dinners and necessities to restaurant workers in need:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =3&theater

They are also accepting donations.