Since the start of the pandemic, over 10% of all U.S. restaurants have closed permanently – eliminating millions of jobs and amounting to more than $280 billion in losses, according to the National Restaurant Association. 

Despite nearly two years of limited in-person dining and food delivery apps that cut deep into already thin profit margins, there is still optimism throughout the industry. However, the future for many restaurants remains uncertain in light of the ongoing global surge in omicron cases and vaccine mandates that take effect in several major U.S. cities this month.