Related
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Boaters are flooding the Chain O’ Lakes ahead of Labor Day Weekend, but one restaurant owner says it won’t help his struggling business.
Rob Hardman owns Port of Blarney and Blarney Island at the Chain O’ Lakes in northeast Illinois. He tells WBBM Newsradio when it comes to boats on the water, this Labor Day Weekend is no different than years past.
“There are tons of people out boating and doing water activities because it’s one of the things they can still do in this environment,” he said.
Unfortunately, the massive amount of boats on the water hasn’t translated into business for waterfront dining during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The populace may be heavily out boating, but they’re taking all their own food and drink with them and spending their whole day on their boat within their family unit, as opposed to going out and experiencing other things,” Hardman said.
And when people do come, Hardman faces a challenge working under a 25% capacity limit. Sometimes he’s honest with people and reluctantly sends them away.
“I’ve never been in that scenario before,” he said.
Both Port of Blarney and Blarney Island likely won’t see half the amount of business compared to past Labor Day Weekends.