MIAMI, Fla. – Bon Gout BBQ in Little Haiti is used to serving up barbeque with Haitian flair.
These days, co-owner Edward Rawson is wondering whether he’ll be able to keep the restaurant alive.
“It’s bad right now,” Rawson says. “I am on the fence as to whether or not I think we can keep it open, honestly.”
He tried to keep the restaurant open for takeout during the coronavirus pandemic but closed it because of concern for his employees, some of whom are elderly and can’t practice proper social distancing in the small kitchen.
Now, Bon Gout BBQ opens on days they know they can make a profit by offering pre-orders. (To preorder for Saturday, go to bongoutbbq.com or call 305-395-9812.)
Like many small businesses, Rawson applied for every government loan and grant possible and is still waiting for relief.
“We over-drafted our account to pay our employees and we still owe our bills,” he says.
Because of overwhelming demand, small business assistance is going out slowly, and time to apply is running out.
Many businesses are trying to drum up business online.
On Instagram, the Wynwood Business Improvement District is trying to help out, launching the hashtag #wynathome and allowing businesses to access their 150,000+ followers to keep people connected with their favorite hotspots.
“To take a little time to reconnect virtually with the things they love about our beloved art district,” says Albert Garcia of the Wynwood BID, "whether it’s our street art, our food, our breweries, even our nightlife.”
ALSO SEE: Here is a list of coronavirus aid for small business owners in South Florida
Upcoming live events on WynwoodMiami Instagram page:
Wednesday, April 15 at 6 p.m.: Cooking Demonstration led by Alter’s Chef Brad Kilgore
Thursday, April 16 (Timing TBD): The Salty (formerly known as The Salty Donut) will be delivering donut donations to City of Miami first responders. The Salty’s Donut Donation allows customers to place an order for a set pack of donuts to be delivered to Miami’s medical professionals and first responders via their website. The Salty will be matching every donation, sending the customers who donate donuts an eGift card (valued at half of their donation amount) in addition to sending a gift card (valued at the other half of their donation amount) to the healthcare workers and first responders with their donut delivery.
Thursday, April 16 at 6 p.m.: Beaker & Grey will be hosting a cocktail demonstration
Friday, April 17 at 4 p.m.: Veza Sur beer pairing lesson