Bill & Mary’s Diner trying to stay afloat with takeout orders during government mandated COVID-19 restrictions

Pancake batter poured, scrambled eggs sizzling, and hash browns cooking: Bill Renner, owner of Bill and Mary’s Diner and Creative Catering in North Canton, didn’t know that March 15 would be his last time offering dining-in meals to customers for a while.  

Renner, like other restaurant and bar owners across the state of Ohio, was mandated by the government to close indoor dining and only allow takeout orders due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  “I’m hoping that within a reasonable timeframe we will get things going back to normal, somewhat,” Renner said. 

Dr. Amy Acton, Director of Ohio Department of Health issued a Director’s Order that went into effect at 9 p.m. on March 15 stating “Order Limiting the Sale of Food and Beverages, Liquor, Beer and Wine to Carry-out and Delivery Only.”  Restaurants and bars were the first of many small businesses to close across the country. 

Tom Renner comes in on his day off to help with takeout orders for his brother Bill Renner, owner of Bill & Mary’s Diner. Bill Renner had to close dining-in services on March 16 after government mandated COVID-19 restrictions began.

Renner has been trying to stay afloat with takeout orders.  Many of the restaurant’s regular customers have been calling to order takeout.  Renner’s brother, Tom Renner, came in on his day off to help take orders for pickup.  “They’re just taking it a day at time, he said.  

On March 27, President Donald Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act.  The CARES Act contains $2 trillion in relief for American workers and small businesses, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury website.  

Renner is one of millions of Americans who have applied for relief.  The process has not been smooth.  There were many issues with submitting the application, he said.  He is still waiting to receive the money.

The last time his business lost revenue like this is when Main Street was closed for construction in 2013.  He had to take out a small business loan that he is still paying on.  He doesn’t want to have to pay on two loans, he said, to incur more debt.

“My biggest fear and concerns are not only the economics but I’m concerned when we do get back in business, I’m going to lose a percentage of my past employees,” Renner said.  His employees have been with him a long time, he said, and they are reliable.

Hourly support was laid off, but a few high school and college age students are still employed.  The restaurants’ hours are limited to four hours a day to accommodate takeout orders.

The Department of Job and Family Services reported over 271,000 Ohioans were receiving unemployment during the first four weeks of businesses being closed.

“As far as the hourly support staff … I don’t know what they’ve done individually as far as applying for the benefits, but I’m amusing they all have … we’re just … trying to mom and pop it right now … we’re hoping to hang on,” Renner said.