COVID-19 restaurant closures (2020)
States and cities ordered dining rooms closed in March 2020 to slow the virus. Many restaurants that lacked takeout capacity shut down, and some never reopened.
Widespread layoffs and permanent closures across the industry.
Surviving restaurants adopted stricter sanitation and capacity rules, making health compliance central to running a food business.
Shows how health regulation can decide whether a restaurant opens or survives, the same gate Exit 9 faces with its food permit.
