Portland Restaurant and Bar Owners Seek Relief After Storm-Related Losses
Portland restaurant, food cart, and bar owners faced significant financial losses, with an average of $31,000 in sales and some reporting up to $60,000 in lost revenue due to a week of closures caused by freezing conditions. Owners grappled with damage to their buildings and appliances, and the dilemma of whether to open or close during inclement weather, impacting both employees and business operations. Some turned to crowdsourcing to replace damaged equipment, while others adapted their business models to stay afloat. The lack of infrastructure for such weather conditions left small operators shouldering the cost and losses, while trying to preserve the industry that Portland is known for.