CLEVELAND — Fallout from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to take its toll on businesses nationwide, including here in Northeast Ohio.
On Wednesday, the Winking Lizard Tavern announced that its Gateway restaurant, located at 811 Huron Road in downtown Cleveland, would temporarily close following the Indians game on Sunday, August 29.
In a post on Facebook, owners explained that the decision did not come easily and that those in charge felt they had no choice but to temporarily close the establishment, calling the choice "unavoidable."
"This is not an easy decision, but the current volume of business and the continuing challenges staffing our taverns, has made this unavoidable. ALL of our Gateway employees have been offered positions in Winking Lizards that are convenient for them and their schedules. We have not set a date to reopen and do not anticipate reopening before year end," a Facebook post reads.
The post goes on to say that the business, which has several locations across the area, is short more than 150 workers currently and has been struggling for some time.
"We have an amazing group of employees on our team that are working long days to help fill in holes on our schedules. We are doing our very best to take care of our guests as quickly as possible. We know wait times have increased for take out and dine in, and hope you understand and treat our staff with patience and kindness. They are an amazing group!"
Additionally, organizers say that the COVID-19 pandemic is also responsible for scaled back menus and drink choices, due to supply and labor shortages.
Winking Lizard Tavern owners also ask for patience and kindness when visiting a location, whether dining in or taking out, as workers are doing their best with what is available.