Five years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, people still talk about it. There are pre-pandemic and "post-pandemic" conditions, especially when it comes to social, economic, and political changes.
In a state whose economy relies heavily on hospitality, Nevada feels the ongoing effects of the pandemic more sharply. This is particularly true for the restaurant sector, heavily reliant on in-person service and food safety.
The shutdown was a scary time for the restaurant industry. Dining rooms closed, and restaurants had to rethink service — there were those who were able to pivot to curbside pickup, delivery and outdoor dining. Many places closed, some permanently.
Keeping workers was a challenge.
The effect of these changes lingers. Research has shown that in-person dining never completely returned to pre-pandemic numbers. For restaurant owners, replacing workers let go during the pandemic has been a challenge, as people turn to other types of work.
How is the pandemic still being felt in Southern Nevada, which, according to Yelp, has some 6,000 eateries, from fast food to restaurants to food trucks and more?
Guests: John Curtas, food writer; Nicole Brisson, restaurateur and chef
