LA Restaurants Are at a Financial Breaking Point Due to the Wildfires | Eater LA

"Chef and owner Daniel Son reports mixed location impacts and inflation pressures: "We’ve definitely seen a drop in sales, but the San Gabriel Valley location has been affected more. The Eaton Fire was closer to that area, and the drop in sales has been about 30 percent. I’m definitely encouraged by everyone being so generous. From what I’m hearing from others, it’s difficult to be an operator right now. We had post-COVID inflation that led to sticker shock. What’s the endgame at this point? It’s been such a battle. I remain grateful and try to find any way that I can help our community. Of course, people can help by going out and spending money. That is the answer. Move away from using luxurious delivery apps. Support local mom-and-pop restaurants. We’re the least supported and don’t have the systems and supply chain to give us competitive pricing. A lot of operations run on a small margin. I would say most mom-and-pops aren’t doing it for the money; it’s because of a sense of community and passion, and genuinely wanting to feed people." Key points: ~30% drop at closer-in location, inflation-driven sticker-shock, plea to favor local operators and avoid high-fee delivery apps." - Eater Staff