Dec 18, 2020 — Indiana restaurant industry facing ‘extinction’ event

"We've laid off nearly 250,000 people in the state of Indiana," said Patrick Tamm, and industry advocate based in Indianapolis. "Some of those were furloughs, but many of those furloughs we've terminated, unfortunately," he continued.

Tamm spoke to Brien McElhatten on the latest edition of the ABC21 Daily podcast. He said 30% of Indiana's restaurants have closed since the pandemic began and more could follow if lawmakers don't extend benefits, like loans, to the owners.

"The time for politics is done. We need help now," he said.

Academics are also predicting a terrible year for restaurants if help doesn't come. Preliminary findings from a Ball State University study mirror what Tamm said on the podcast.

 “If Indiana officials decide the state must reimpose restrictions to mitigate the spread of the pandemic—which may include reducing hours or further limiting seating—many restaurants will close for good. Most can’t survive on just providing take-out," said Prof...