After more than year in lockdown, many restaurateurs feel like they're back to square one. While most restaurants and small food businesses survived 2020, many have had to close shop either permanently or temporarily.
For those who made it, 2021 was going to be spent making up for the losses of 2020. The year was off to a seemingly good start until COVID-19 cases steadily rose. "NCR Plus" – Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal – was placed under a modified version of aUnder both quarantine levels, establishments are only allowed to operate for takeout or delivery.
Rappler talks to Chef Ed Bugia of Mimi and Bros and the Pino Group, and barista David Ong, owner of The Curator Coffee & Cocktails and EDSA Beverage Design Group on their struggles, frustrations, and hopes for what lies ahead.