FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Nan Kavanaugh

nrkfreelancemedia@gmail.com
904-415-0051

MAIN STREET IS TOO BIG TO FAIL

Over 118 restaurant industry owners representing over 4,640 employees across
Florida write letter to Gov. DeSantis requesting immediate economic disaster relief

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (March 22, 2020) – In an effort to expedite relief funds to the
food and beverage industry suffering imminent economic collapse, a coalition of over
118 industry owner/operators have drafted a letter to Gov. DeSantis requesting immediate
support. Together, representing over 4,640 employees statewide, the owners have
outlined requests necessary to stabilizing small business owners during the crisis.

“We play a significant cultural and economic role in the state and our industry is filled
with passionate, hard-working individuals,” says Jonathan Cobbs and Dwayne Beliakoff
of The Bread & Board in Jacksonville, Florida, initiators of the letter. “We contribute $50
billion in economic revenue and employ over 1 million people in this state. We are too
big to fail and trust that our government agencies will provide immediate economic
support.”

A group of restaurant operators from Jacksonville Florida crafted the letter on Monday
March 16, 2020 and then circulated it statewide for other operators to sign. The deadline
to sign was March 22, 2020, but an online petition is also being circulated on Change.org
indefinitely to allow other operators the opportunity to join. Aside from employing over
4,640 citizens statewide, the 118 owners represented in the below letter also donate over
$2 million annually to charities and non-profits as business owners.

“Restaurants give thousands of dollars each year to support non-profit and charity
organizations in their communities,” says Chef Scott Schwartz, owner of El Jefe Tex-
Mex. “Today we are asking for the support of our communities to please call your local,
state, and federal officials on behalf your favorite restaurant and request immediate
economic relief for Main Street businesses.”

Please see the letter below for your consideration for publication:
March 22, 2020

To: Governor Ron DeSantis

Re: The COVID-19 Outbreak in Florida – Restaurant Recommendations for
Immediate Action

Dear Gov. DeSantis,

We appreciate the challenges and decisions you are faced with in confronting the
COVID-19 crisis. We recognize your highest priority is to keep our communities safe
with school closures and enforce all necessary preventative measures, while working with
municipalities and localities as the number of confirmed cases rise. As we face this public
health crisis together as a nation, we, a coalition of business owners, are writing today on
behalf of the 1.1 million employees in the food and beverage industry in the state of
Florida that are facing certain detrimental economic impact.

Small business owners represent a significant collective voice within the larger restaurant
and hospitality industry. We play an important role in the daily life of Floridians and are
a vital part of the cultural landscape of the state. Eating and drinking venues statewide
totaled 41,366 in 2018, with over 1,096,000 employees, and generated over $50 billion in
annual sales. We understand that losing any portion of this revenue would be a hard hit to
the local, state and national economies, however, by not taking immediate measures to
stabilize the situation there could be much greater costs in the permanent closing of
businesses leaving hundreds of thousands of Florida restaurant and hospitality wage-
earners unemployed.

WE NEED TO KNOW WE HAVE SUPPORT FOR OUR BUSINESSES DURING AND

AFTER THIS PUBLIC CRISIS. Many bars across the state have now been closed,
numerous restaurants have shuttered for fear of putting the health of staff and customers
at risk. Operators are genuinely concerned about the future of their businesses, while
striving to be strong community partners in prevention efforts. We respectfully ask that
you consider the following requests below concerning local, state and national assistance
that will help our businesses survive (whether we are serving guests or not), thus ensuring
our employees have jobs available to them when this situation subsides.

Many business owners are already carrying a significant debt burden. In order to continue
operations after this crisis, we need immediate assistance and action from the local
government, the State of Florida, the Federal Government, and insurance carriers. The
proposals of loan programs we’ve seen thus far administered by the SBA will simply not
suffice, and those offered as Emergency Relief by the State are too expensive and will
burden already troubled businesses.
We recognize that some of these requests typically may have legislative requirements and
limitations and some can be implemented or enacted immediately. Our need is urgent
now, thus immediate action is necessary. We submit these requests in the spirit of
offering creative solutions and meaningful financial resources that will provide a needed
lifeline to our to our struggling businesses today.

LOCAL ACTION:
1. Suspend Local sales tax to consumers on all hospitality and food service
industries statewide, including prepared foods at restaurants and bars.
2. Defer all city business and licensing fees for one year including Department
of Business & Professional Regulation food and alcohol renewals.
3. Defer all city taxes on small businesses, including any local real estate or
personal property taxes.

STATE ACTION:

1. Provide employers with a 60-day extension of time to file their State

sales tax reports and re-employment tax reports beginning with the
February 2020 period, and throughout the duration of the pandemic, as
well as depositing State sales taxes and re-employment taxes without
penalty or interest.
2. Suspend State sales tax to consumers on all hospitality and food service
industries statewide, including prepared foods at restaurants and bars.
3. Improve The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program
requiring emergency funds to be paid back at 0%-6% over 18-24 months
versus 12% over 12 months-- improving a program that could create
additional hardship on recovering businesses.
4. Place a moratorium on commercial evictions after March 15, 2020 for
the duration of the administrative action, pandemic and recovery period
(defined as three months after an all clear from Federal and State agencies
has been issued).
5. Provide commercial rent and mortgage relief. A subsidy to business
owners or credit to property owners to mitigate this cost burden for
business owners, or a recommendation that no commercial rent, lease
payments, mortgage or contract payments be required or enforceable
during the duration of the administrative closure or period of reduced
sales, during the pandemic or recovery period (defined as three months
after an all clear from Federal and State agencies has been issued).
6. Work with federal lawmakers to significantly increase funding for public
health and economic development, while facilitating rules and
regulations that could provide relief to businesses and workers impacted
by COVID-19.
7. Mandate insurance companies doing business in Florida to include /
add “epidemic, “pandemic” and “public official’s or government order” to
all business interruption policies underwritten prior to 3/15/2020, and
enforce that business interruption benefits be extended during the
 pandemic or recovery period (defined as three months after an all clear
from Federal and State agencies has been issued) to all existing
commercial policy holders.
8. Defer all State business and licensing fees for one year including
Department of Business & Professional Regulation food and alcohol
renewals.
9. Defer all State taxes on small businesses, including any real estate or
personal property taxes.
10. Ensure that all restaurant and bar workers receive enhanced
Unemployment Insurance benefits for the duration of the pandemic
response, with an increase from the maximum benefit of 50% of average
earnings to 100% of average earnings to a maximum of $500 per week.
The waiting week and requirement to look for work is also suspended, and
that Unemployment Insurance benefits are expedited to avoid the typical
3-4 week waiting period for payments to begin. Additionally, we request
that an emergency rule for Unemployment Insurance is issued for the
duration of the pandemic response that will provide coverage if a worker
is:

a. Mildly ill with COVID-19

b. Exposed to COVID-19 and quarantined no matter the status of
business operation
c. Immune compromised and advised to self-quarantine
d. Without work because their employer shut down due to a public
official’s order
e. Without work because of a business slow down or lack of demand

11. Guarantee that individuals who are unable to work due to having or being
exposed to COVID-19 can file an expedited disability insurance claims.

STATE AND NATIONAL ACTION:

1. Create a grant program providing emergency funds for businesses with

fewer than 150 employees, who have seen sales decreases of 25 percent or
more, in-order-to help mitigate losses in revenues and profit and increase
financial stability.
2. Create a grant program for companies with fewer than 150 employees to
provide financial assistance specifically to meet the needs of employer-
sponsored health care coverage for employees, and/or suspend / waive
payments for health care for 90 days for both employees and employers.
3. Establish a task force to convene large banks, financial associations, utility
companies, telecoms, and major employers to identify opportunities to
provide relief such as debt and late penalty forgiveness, bill deferment or
suspension of businesses temporarily closed during the pandemic, providing
 no-interest recovery loans and waiving fees for companies and workers
negatively impacted by COVID-19.

We ask that you act now. Our industry, our state and our nation have overcome
adversity before; armed with the right tools, we can do it again.

In solidarity,

Dwayne Beliakoff and Jonathan Cobbs, The Bread & Board: 65 Employees
Sarah Marie Johnston and Tom Gray, Prati Italia / Town Hall Restaurant / CuliVino
Hospitality Management: 101 Employees
Michael Schmidt and Chad Munsey, The Bearded Pig: 55 Employees
Kelly Pickard, Alewife Craft Beer Bottle Shop & Tasting Room: 3 Employees
Jennifer Earnest, The Chef's Garden of Jacksonville, Inc.: 5 Employees
Barbara Bredehoeft, bb's / Biscottis / b the Bakery: 127 Employees
Sara Frasca and Karina Coryell, Trasca & Co Eatery: 25 Employees
Scott Schwartz, El Jefe Tex-Mex: 41 Employees
Jacques Klempf, Cowford Chophouse: 85 Employees
Kurt Rogers, Sidecar: 9 Employees
Logan Moore and Brittany Moore, Good Dough: 16 Employees
Calli Webb, BREW Five Points: 13 Employees
Meredith Corey-Disch, Community Loaves: 12 Employees
Genie and Jeffrey McNally, The Floridian Restaurant of du jour Market: 52 Employees
Al Mansur, Flying Iguana / Coop303/ Mezza Luna/ Al's Pizza: 500 Employees
Grace Glennon, Kyle Spor, Austin Abbott and Jay Shuster, Afternoon Restaurant &
Crybaby’s Bar: 48 Employees
Mike Cornelissen and Jack Fallon, Captain Jacks Smokehouse BBQ: 40 Employees
Stephen Hutson, Catch 27 Restaurant: 35 Employees
Eric & Deb Fanelli and Chad Livingston, Burlingame Restaurant: 24 Employees
Tory Eulenfeld, The National Golf Course Restaurant Association/ The NGCRA:
8 Employees
Alyson & Mark Zildjian, Zildjian Catering & Consulting: 6 Employees
Matthew and David Medure, Medure Brothers Culinary Concepts: 300 Employees
Mark Woodruff, MADE Restaurant: 34 Employees
Brittny Lowrey, The Happy Grilled Cheese: 20 Employees
R. Lim, Brewz N Dawgz: 7 Employees
Helga Tan Fellows, GYO GREENS Farm: 5 Employees
Christiana Barnett, Atomic Dog: 3 Employees
Thomas Southard & Heather Bracy, A Flying Sausage: 3 Employees
Dario Carbone & Alexia Tarantino, FARO Beachside Eatery & Focaccia Italian Eatery:
11 Employees
Luciano Scremin, Engine 15 Brewing Co.: 17 Employees
Jason and Mandi Kelloway, Social Grounds Coffee Company: 8 Employees
Cary Paige, Aqua Grill: 63 Employees
Lakita Spann, Mr. Potato Spread: 8 Employees
Dan Altman, Jax Beach Brunch Haus: 35 Employees
Lindsay Bambino, 3Natives Jacksonville: 8 Employees
Richard Cockerill, What"s The Catch Employees
Marjorie Brown, Choppers Bar and Grill: 15 Employees
Kurt and Allison D'Aurizio, 1748 Bakehouse: 11 Employees
Ivy Wolff, The Ugly Cupcake Muffinry: 8 Employees
Trina Gregory-Propst and Virginia Propst, Se7enbites & SETTE Italian: 65 Employees
Howard Kirk, 13 Gypsies / Foo Dog: 18 Employees
Lindsay and Scott Meyer, Congaree and Penn: 25 Employees
Sam Efron and Kiley Efron, Efron Restaurant Group / Taverna: 72 Employees
Jon Mroz, Myth Nightclub / Element Bistro: 34 Employees
Kayla Taylor, Tea Nation: 4 Employees
Donna Paz Kaufman, Story & Song Bookstore Bistro: 11 Employees
Liana Vitorino and Tito Vitorino, Amore Restaurant: 15 Employees
Nathan and Margo Stuart, Intracoastal Fisheries Restaurant Group: 200 Employees
Russ Disparti, The Stout Snug & 10/Six Grille: 45 Employees
Aronson and Jim Kagiliery, Broadway Ristorante & Pizzeria Employees
Kyle and Kathryn Alexander, Memphis JAX BBQ: 30 Employees
Elena Elm, Salty Paws Healthy Pet Market: 7 Employees
Kealalani & David Baumann, Maddy D's: 3 Employees
Erik and Leaosol, McFlamingo: 9 Employees
Pavel and Tracy Hasenohrl, Cremesh European Restaurant: 10 Employees
Yhang Quintero, Wildcrafters : 6 Employees
Aronson and Jim Kagiliery, Broadway Ristorante & Pizzeria: 70 Employees
Susan Huff, Integrity Organics: 2 Employees
Julie and James Petrakis, The Ravenous Pig: 120 Employees
Brooke & Chase Sams, The Mini Bar: 40 Employees
Leni Rose Magsino and Robert Stackhouse, The Perfect Pear Catering Company:
10 Employees
Isaac Johnson, Indigenous: 18 Employees
Shai and Charlotte Tzabari, Olive My Pickle: 4 Employees
Tito and Liana Vitorino, Amore Italian & Portuguese Restaurant: 18 Employees
David Joudi, Riverside Liquors & The Restaurant in Riverside: 20 Employees
John Rivers, 4R Restaurant Group: 1,100 Employees
Elizabeth Simms, Late Risers LLC: 2 Employees
Erica & John Thompson, Osprey Tacos: 9 Employees
Karen Rojas & Eduardo Villadiego, Josie's Latin Fusion: 2 Employees
Taissa Rebroff , Buttermilk Bakery: 15 Employees
Nathalie Wu, Wicked Bao
Mariah & Juan Salvat,Southern Roots Filling Station: 18 Employees
Kori Tafoya, Royal Palm Village Wine & Tapas: 20 Employees
Robin Barlow, AP DOM, Sunshine Healing Arts Acupuncture: 2 Employees
Ted Stein and JC Demetree, The Local, Jacksonville and Neptune Beach: 84 Employees
Jose Martinez, Maison Blanche: 12 Employees
Amy Mackey, The Silver Cow: 3 Employees
Christina and Tony Dziedzicki, Pita Pit Jacksonville Beach: 15 Employees
Kenya Stockton, Island Dream Italian Ice & Desserts: 10 Employees
Pamela L Davis, Farmhouse Chicken & Donuts: 10 Employees
Dawn Hair, The Original Egg: 31 Employees
Philip M Barnhart, Taps Bar & Grill / South Kitchen + Spirits: 72 Employees
Eduardo Navas, DECOFRUIT: 4 Employees
Chason & Maria Spencer, Chancho King: 3 Employees
Brion Anderson, Team Love Seafood: 10 Employees
Allison & Kurt D'Aurizio, 1748 Bakehouse: 13 Employees
Paulette Bilsky-Phillips, Rolling Kitchen: 2 Employees
Ramon Walle, Twisted Philly Steaks: 2 Employees
Tim and Thersa Poynter, Cafe Karibo / Timoti's Seafood Shak: 95 Employees
Carrie Mengerink, Well-Oiled Events: 6 Employees
Norman Van Aken, NORMAN'S Orlando: 50 Employees
Cesar E Diaz, Odd Birds Birds Kitchen and Lounge : 19 Employees
Susan Miller, Bold City Brewery: 16 Employees
Derek Martin and Elsa Montgomery-Willy, Sugarcane Restaurant: 12 Employees
Dennis Waugerman, Corner Cafe and Wauga Wauga Food Truck: 7 Employees
Ricky Pig, Joe's Second Street Bistro: 27 Employees
Greg & Katie Rider, Gregory Paul's: 9 Employees
DuWayne Hegel, The Urban Bean Coffeehouse Café: 25 Employees
Sean Flanigan, Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay: 65 Employees
Greg DeSanto, Olio: 6 Employees
Robyn Lela Pate, LuLi's Cupcakes: 8 Employees
Daisha Jones, Funnel Cake Queen: 6 Employees
Katy and Chad Dougherty, Tasty's Fresh Burgers: 130 Employees
David Witt and Melody Byrd, Harps American Pub & Grill: 28 Employees
Michael Schoening and Sheila Seigel, Leaf & Lentil : 7 Employees
Alex Black and George Evans, Dank Cakes LLC: 2 Employees
Gail and Ron Patak, Garden Truck Food Company
Kevin & Kristi Hopfer, Twisted Okie BBQ Food Truck: 6 Employees
Oliver Mosqueda, Guanabana Ice Pops: 3 Employees
LaTasha Kaiser, Kravegan LLC: 7 Employees
Tsion Chiksemo, Ibex Ethiopian Kitchen: 5 Employees
Natasha Williams, DevineYogi Vegan Baked Goods: 2 Employees
Alexandra McKeown, Hyperion Brewing Company: 3 Employees
David Cohen, Manifest Distilling: 15 Employees