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Arkansas restaurateurs tell lawmakers lost business, urge more relief as vaccination approaches
Summary
Two independent restaurant owners told lawmakers that pandemic restrictions and public fear cut sales sharply — one cited a drop from $1,051,000 to $315,000 between March–October — and urged targeted aid, tax relief or grants to keep local restaurants afloat until vaccination increases customer confidence.
Two small-restaurant owners described steep financial losses and operational pivots to the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee, asking state lawmakers to consider additional help to prevent closures and job losses.
Paul Kreff, owner of Shorty Smalls, and Vince Schallenberg of All Aboard Restaurant and Grill said fixed costs, narrow margins and reduced customer demand have produced dramatic revenue declines. Kreff told the committee that March–October sales at one location fell from about $1,051,000 in the previous comparable period to roughly $315,000 this year — a drop of $736,000 — and that his business has already spent loan…
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