West Hartford Restaurant Owners say it's a Struggle to Operate

(West Hartford, Conn. WTIC)-stymied by increased costs and loans, a lack of business and state health regulations, West Hartford
 restaurant owners say it's a struggle to operate.
Chip Kohn owns three restaurants. He says he lost four hundred thousand dollars last year. He took out a PPP loan and now has to repay the government nearly five thousand dollars a month for the next thirty years. He says small businesses can't operate that way. Cohn says owners are also facing an increase in minimum wage and the cost for supplies. One owner says gloves now cost 95 dollars a box.
John Paindiris owns a legacy restaurant. He says revenue has decreased 60-percent, including take-out which is lower now than it was in April.
Owners say they've left staff go because of decreased business and there's no where else for them to work.
The owners participated in a virtual roundtable sponsored by the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce. Senators Blumenthal and Murphy participated.
Blumenthal says he's confident with a new administration and Congress, more financial help is forthcoming.