The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the balance sheets of all types of businesses this year, but perhaps none so seriously as small, independent restaurants. The financial insecurity and lack of federal aid has been made worse by inconsistent messaging and selective enforcement of regulations on a local level.
This episode of “Off Menu” focuses on Seafood Cove 2 in Westminster, one restaurant that has felt the whipsaw back-and-forth of pandemic regulations. Siblings Eddie and Iris Lai run the day-to-day of the family-owned dim sum place and have struggled to earn enough money to stay afloat while simultaneously prioritizing the safety of guests and employees.