MICHIGAN RESTAURANTS

The hospitality industry in Michigan is one of several struggling with a nationwide worker shortage.

Have you been to one of your favorite restaurants lately and noticed a burned-out, understaffed group of workers? They’re not alone.

As it struggles to emerge from COVID restrictions, Boodles Restaurant in Madison Heights is one of many on 11 Mile Road that have been devastated by the Interstate 75 construction.

The Facebook page of Jim Brady’s restaurant owner, Tom Brady, has been restored after he said the site shut it down for impersonating 7-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady.

A Metro Detroit restaurant owner said the money his business was approved for with the Restaurant Revitalization Fund has now fallen through.

Michigan is lifting all of its COVID restrictions for capacity, masks and gatherings next week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced.

Michigan is lifting all of its COVID restrictions for capacity, masks and gatherings next week.

Michigan is lifting all of its COVID restrictions for capacity, masks and gatherings next week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced.

Michiganders might not have to wait until July for COVID restrictions to be lifted.

April 16, 2021, was a critical point in the COVID-19 pandemic for the state of Michigan. Since then, a lot has happened, and we've come a long way.

The curfew on Michigan restaurants and bars will be lifted today, the first step of the state’s new plan for fully reopening.

Gov. Whitmer spoke publicly after pictures of her and 12 other people inside an East Lansing bar surfaced on the far-right website, Beitbart.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer answered a question Monday about a controversial picture that showed her sitting with a large party at a restaurant despite longtime restrictions limiting tables to six people.

The curfew on Michigan restaurants and bars will be lifted during the first step of the state’s new plan for fully reopening.

As the pandemic leaves many restaurants reeling, some Macomb County students have launched a campaign to raise money for them.

It’s been an extremely busy week for COVID-related topics in Michigan, from debates about another shutdown to quickly filling hospitals to six more months of workplace restrictions.

Last week, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spoke about the alarming rise of COVID-19 cases across the state and asked residents to voluntarily follow several restrictions over the next two weeks.

Multiple COVID data points are severe enough that under a bill passed in the Michigan’s Republican-controlled Senate, the data would trigger a shutdown of indoor dining.

Saint Patrick’s Day is a big deal to a lot of Irish bars and restaurants. Irish bars and restaurants missed out on that income in 2020, but even worse, they were fully stocked with extra food and alcohol for Saint Patrick’s Day. “Sunday would have been the parade,” Roberts said. “We had some really good activity, you know people dressed up, people in their green are coming down from the suburbs, just like they used to.”Dunleavy said a normal Saint Patrick’s Day would involved a packed house and more than 20 kegs. Many Irish restaurants are also doing carry out, so if you plan to celebrate at home you can take your corned beef to go.

DETROIT – Sunday will mark the second year in a row which Corktown will not have its St. Patrick’s Day parade and race due to the coronavirus pandemic. “We want everyone to come here but also be safe,” said James Castonguay with McShane’s Irish Pub in Corktown. Related: Detroit’s St. Patrick’s Parade canceled again due to COVID concernsLike other businesses, McShane’s Irish Pub is limited in its capacity, but it’s getting a lot of calls from people thinking about showing up. The restaurant opened in late March 2019, having yet to experience the flood of customers on St. Patrick’s Day. “It’s definitely a hit not having all of those people down here,” Westbrook said.

“Today (Tuesday), we are announcing that restaurants and bars can operate at 50% capacity. READ: Michigan loosens COVID restrictions on restaurants -- here are all the detailsAdWhile some restaurants and bars welcome the news, some say it isn’t worth it. As things stand, this is about restaurants like Red Coat and how much they can handle. He decided the 50% capacity is still too risky and he won’t open for sit-down service yet. READ: New bill would allow Michigan bars to stay open until 4 a.m.READ: Here are the 14 changes to Michigan’s COVID rules: Restaurants, gyms, stadiums, retail, gatherings

PLYMOUTH, Mich. – A restaurant in Downtown Plymouth has had its liquor license suspended after the state officials said it violated five of Michigan’s COVID-19 rules. State officials said the restaurant violated five COVID-19 restrictions:Allowed non-residential, indoor gatherings without requiring people to be seated at tables. The MLCC has suspended Greek Island Eatery’s Class C license and permits for Sunday sales (a.m. and p.m.), entertainment, the outdoor service area, direct connection and an additional bar. The restaurants actions increased the chance of COVID-19 spread, according to the state. Anyone who wants to report a business violating COVID-19 rules can file a complaint at 866-893-2121 or go to www.michigan.gov/lcc.

The COVID-19 restrictions on Michigan restaurants are changing Friday as the state loosens its grip on indoor dining. “I’m proud that we are able to take this positive step without compromising public health,” Whitmer said. Now, all Michigan restaurants and bars can fill up to 50% capacity, with a maximum of 100 people. Though there has been a plateauing of cases over the last week, Michigan had seen a steady decline in case, positivity and hospitalization rate since January. Ad“All of the momentum that we are seeing is possible because we remain committed to following guidelines that protect public health,” Whitmer said.

LANSING, Mich. – Tuesday’s announcement that Michigan restaurants are able to increase their indoor dining capacity comes as good news for establishments that have now had to deal with two shutdowns since the pandemic started. “Today (Tuesday), we are announcing that restaurants and bars can operate at 50% capacity. READ: Michigan loosens COVID restrictions on restaurants -- here are all the detailsAd“It’s encouraging, it’s very encouraging,” said Nikola’s BBQ manager, Velko Milosevich. “I’m just hopeful by summer, things will return to normal. The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association issued a statement on the updated restriction:

The state of Michigan has loosened its COVID-19 restrictions on bars and restaurants, including the capacity limit and nightly curfew. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced the restrictions on indoor dining have been revised. “I’m proud that we are able to take this positive step without compromising public health,” Whitmer said. From mid-November through the end of January, no indoor dining was allowed at bars or restaurants. Ad“All of the momentum that we are seeing is possible because we remain committed to following guidelines that protect public health,” Whitmer said.

Gretchen Whitmer has extended the deadline for liquor license renewal by three months, the state announced Friday. Liquor licensees now have until July 30 to extend their 2021 licenses. VIEW: Full list of 40 Michigan businesses that have had liquor licenses suspended over COVID rulesWhitmer said the extension is designed to give more time to businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. They don’t have to wait to renew their licenses, and may do so any time between now and July 30. Businesses that don’t renew and receive an updated license could receive violations or lose their liquor licenses, state officials said.

Qualitative responsesQuestion: Do you believe it is safe for restaurants to resume indoor dining in Michigan? Workers need to work.”“No. Not enough vaccine and too many variants.”Question: Will you be going back to indoor dining at restaurants now that they are allowed to reopen? I may trust the restaurants to provide best protocol, but I do not trust the other patrons.”“No. While some restaurants are thriving with take-out, many are losing money, laying off workers and just trying to stay above water.

Michigan restaurants are opening to indoor dining this week, but do you feel safe about going? ➡️ View the full survey results here. Thank you for taking part in the survey! We believe it is important for neighbors who care -- neighbors like you! More survey results:

Gretchen Whitmer said the reason Michigan is in a stronger COVID-19 position than many other states is the “pause” that tightened restrictions and created an incremental reopening process. Whitmer was asked about the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association’s plan for expanding indoor dining capacity. Right now, restaurants are limited to 25% capacity and must close by 10 p.m. “Michigan is in a stronger position than most other states in the nation right now,” Whitmer said. She called on the Michigan Legislature to work with her to pass the MI COVID Recovery Plan.

Frustrated that restaurants are still at 25% capacity for indoor dining, the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association (MRLA) released a plan to get restaurants back on stable financial ground that uses COVID positivity rates to determine restaurant density. Michigan’s current COVID positivity rate is just over 3%, which according to the plan from MRLA, would allow for 50% density. MRLA CEO Justin Winslow said restaurants that have reopened under the current 25% rule are doing it primarily to remind customers that they are still open. READ: 11 takeaways from Whitmer’s COVID update: Variant spreading, Michigan vaccinations, relief moneyAdAmato said the restaurant is more than a small business to her. “I think it’s time and this industry is owed some more concrete planning from the administration that can be driven by data.”READ MORE:

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s top health official is asking residents to avoid gathering with others for Super Bowl parties due to the threat of spreading COVID-19. Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said during Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Thursday (Feb. 4) that Michiganders should not let their guard down for Super Bowl Sunday. Ad“This Super Bowl Sunday, please avoid gatherings, and if you do gather, please keep it limited to only one other household, and make sure you’re wearing a mask, socially distancing and washing your hands frequently,” Khaldun said. But Khaldun said it’s important not to let the Super Bowl cause a spike in cases that could make the state move backwards.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan has confirmed 28 total cases of the COVID-19 B117 variant in Washtenaw and Wayne counties, according to state officials. Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said during Gov. “This variant is more easily spread from person to person,” Khaldun said. “If this variant becomes more common, as national experts predict it could, then we could see a very rapid rise in cases and more hospitalizations and deaths.”So far, 28 cases of the B117 variant have been identified in Michigan, all in Washtenaw and Wayne counties, Khaldun said. The B117 variant, which was traced back to the United Kingdom, has already shut down the entire University of Michigan athletic department.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s most important COVID-19 numbers are once again trending in the right direction, according to the state’s top doctor. Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, provided updated numbers Thursday (Feb. 4) during Gov. The Detroit, Traverse City and Upper Peninsula regions all have case rates below 150 cases per million people, according to Khaldun. AdRight now, 6.6% of the state’s hospital beds are filled with COVID-19 patients, according to Khaldun. “Michiganders are doing their part by wearing masks, avoiding gatherings and socially distancing.”On Thursday, state officials announced 1,358 new COVID-19 cases and 74 additional deaths.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer revealed Thursday that more than 1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered across the state. By the end of Wednesday, the state had administered exactly 1,076,545 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the governor. “That number is going up as we speak,” Whitmer said. AdOfficials wanted to make teachers eligible for vaccination after setting a goal of offering in-person learning to all students by March 1.

Basketball is among the sports allowed to resume Monday at the youth level in Michigan. LANSING, Mich. – Michigan officials announced Thursday that youth contact sports will be allowed to resume next week. They were asked whether a COVID-19 outbreak among sports teams could lead to a shutdown if it threatens in-person learning. She reiterated that MDHHS will watch the COVID-19 numbers and monitor potential outbreaks closely. For contact sports to resume, masks must be worn during practices and competition, Whitmer said.

Gretchen Whitmer provided an update on the state’s COVID-19 situation, addressing high school contact sports, the spread of a COVID variant, vaccinations and the latest virus trends. Khaldun and Whitmer were asked about balancing the resumption of sports and the risk of COVID-19 spread that could lead to students not being able to go to school. Michigan COVID metricsKhaldun revealed promising movement with Michigan’s three most important COVID-19 metrics. AdOn Thursday, state officials announced 1,358 new COVID-19 cases and 74 additional deaths. B117 variantThe new variant of COVID-19, B117, which shut down the University of Michigan athletic department for two weeks, is still a concern for officials.

Michigan restaurants will officially be allowed to resume indoor dining Feb. 1 with a curfew and other COVID-19 safety restrictions in place. Gretchen Whitmer announced the order will allow indoor dining at restaurants, concessions at entertainment venues such as casinos, movie theaters and stadiums, personal services requiring mask removal and non-residential gatherings of up to 10 people from two households. Bars and restaurants have to close by 10 p.m. and contact information must be collected from diners for contact tracing purposes. “Even so, the science is clear that unmasked, indoor activities like dining and drinking are still a source of high risk around COVID-19. AdMore resourcesThe voluntary “MI COVID-19 Safer Dining” program allows food service establishments to become certified by having their ventilation system inspected and submitting their inspection report to the state indicating they are optimizing airflow.

WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. – Monday is a big day for restaurants in Michigan -- after nearly three months, restaurants can reopen for indoor dining. READ: Michigan restaurants to reopen with curfew, other safety restrictions in placeIt’s a day Michiganders have been patiently and not-so patiently waiting for -- the return of in-person dining. Restaurants can only open to 25% capacity, but Carter said that won’t be a problem. “The dining room for a Jewish deli is a little bit more than just food. “Obviously we had to go smaller but now we’ve been able to reach out and we’ve definitely had more people join our team.”AdRELATED: Internet crowdfunding keeps many Michigan restaurants afloat amid pandemic

READ: Michigan restaurants prepare to reopen indoor dining Feb. 1Some restaurants mean more to their local communities than just a breakfast special or ice cream on a hot summer day. The place opened in 2002 and may not make it to 2022, but owner Dave McManaman said a fundraiser gives him some hope. Ray’s Ice Cream, off Coolidge Highway in Royal Oak, is a generational business that’s been around for 60 years. AdMore information on Ray’s Ice Cream can be found on its official website or its official Facebook page here. More information on Dave & Amy’s can be found on its official website or its official Facebook page here.

BERKLEY, Mich. – Many Michigan restaurants found different ways to remain afloat amid a state COVID shutdown prohibiting indoor dining. But restaurants will now be able to reopen indoor dining Feb. 1 with restrictions, such as operating at 25% capacity and a 10 p.m. curfew. And with indoor dining reopening, she said she will keep it along with curbside carryout. READ: Southwest Detroit restaurant offers unique ‘luminaria’ outdoor dining experienceAd“It’s so hard to plan. Like other restaurants across the state, Berkley Common is taking the weekend to get the dining room cleaned and ready, and re-train staff on guidelines.

YPSILANTI, Mich. – Opening up a restaurant during a global pandemic is a risk, but the owners of Blazin’ Burgerz decided it was now or never. Located on Ellsworth Rd, the fast-casual restaurant is operated by 23-year-old Farook Issa and his friend Khaled Naser. The two have been friends since middle school and have worked together at family-owned restaurants for the past five years. On Friday, when Blazin’ Burgerz held its grand opening, eaters were so eager to try the new smash burgers that wait times were up to an hour-and-a-half. Menu items range from smash burgers and chicken sandwiches to hotdogs, fries and macaroni and cheese bites.

The state of Michigan will be under a new COVID-19 order at the start of February, and it will prompt several changes to the restrictions that are currently in place. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced its new order Friday (Jan. 22), and it will go into effect Feb. 1 and last three weeks, until Feb. 21. Click here to read the full details of the new MDHHS order. Here are the eight changes to restrictions that will be in effect :Restaurants and bars can resume indoor dining at 25% capacity and no more than 100 people. Restrictions still in placeThe MDHHS order continues to temporarily pause indoor contact sports and other venues and activities that require close physical contact and mask removal, such as water parks.

Michigan officials have announced the details of their next COVID-19 order, revising rules for restaurants and bars, entertainment venues, stadiums and gatherings. Restaurants reopen for indoor diningMost notably, Michigan restaurants will officially be allowed to resume indoor dining, with certain safety restrictions in place. Restaurants and bars will be allowed to reopen at 25% capacity with up to 100 people. MDHHS continues to urge families to avoid indoor gatherings or to pick a single other household to interact with regularly. Restrictions still in placeThe MDHHS order continues to temporarily pause indoor contact sports and other venues and activities that require close physical contact and mask removal, such as water parks.

Michigan restaurants will officially be allowed to resume indoor dining Feb. 1 with a curfew and other COVID-19 safety restrictions in place. The revised restrictions go into effect Feb. 1 and last three weeks, until Feb. 21. Gretchen Whitmer announced the order will allow indoor dining at restaurants, concessions at entertainment venues such as casinos, movie theaters and stadiums, personal services requiring mask removal and non-residential gatherings of up to 10 people from two households. Bars and restaurants have to close by 10 p.m. and contact information must be collected from diners for contact tracing purposes. More resourcesThe voluntary “MI COVID-19 Safer Dining” program allows food service establishments to become certified by having their ventilation system inspected and submitting their inspection report to the state indicating they are optimizing airflow.

Gretchen Whitmer has activated the Michigan National Guard as the state prepares for a protest this weekend at the Capitol. “The Michigan State Police is leading security efforts in coordination with the Michigan National Guard and other public safety agencies,” spokesperson Tiffany Brown said in an email statement. “It’s not to say there is an impending threat, but simply that we are prepared to respond accordingly.”READ: 13 takeaways from Gov. To her knowledge, there aren’t currently any specific threats, Whitmer said. “I can just say we are prepared if something should arise and hopeful that it does not,” she said.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan is giving certain businesses, including restaurants, that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic extra time to make tax payments. Restaurants that depend on indoor dining and most entertainment and recreational venues are included in this extension, according to state officials. “Businesses impacted by COVID-19 have made incredible sacrifices to protect their communities, their employees and their customers,” Michigan Gov. On Wednesday, Michigan Whitmer said the state hopes to resume indoor dining at restaurants by Feb. 1, as long as COVID-19 metrics meet state standards. Gordon said indoor dining is inherently risky in terms of spreading COVID-19 because it requires people from different households to remove their masks while indoors.

LANSING, Mich. – Members of law enforcement are coordinating with the Michigan National Guard to make sure they’re prepared to respond to any sign of violence at the state Capitol, Gov. “What we are seeing play out across our country right now is deeply concerning,” Whitmer said. “It’s not to say there is an impending threat, but simply that we are prepared to respond accordingly.”READ: 13 takeaways from Gov. To her knowledge, there aren’t currently any specific threats, Whitmer said. “I can just say we are prepared if something should arise and hopeful that it does not,” she said.

LANSING, Mich. – After announcing that the COVID-19 restrictions in Michigan would be extended through the end of the month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was asked how people can be confident there won’t be another extension. Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday that the order, which was set to expire Friday (Jan. 15), has been revised and extended until Jan. 31. LATEST: Michigan extends COVID-19 order through end of January, but permits more physical activities“What is going to change between now and Feb. 1 where people can be confident it’s not going to be extended past that, just yet again?” Whitmer was asked. MDHHS Director Robert Gordon said state officials will keep an eye on the case rate, percent positivity and hospitalizations to determine whether restaurants and other segments of the economy can reopen Feb. 1.

Gretchen Whitmer’s chief operating officer and executive lead on the state’s operational response to containing COVID-19, Tricia Foster, spoke about vaccine distribution in the state. Whitmer’s COVID update Wednesday (Jan. 13)Here are 20 takeaways from Foster’s comments:There are over 1,218 registered providers of the COVID-19 vaccine in Michigan. Every dose of the vaccine that Michigan has received has been delivered to a provider, and that provider has scheduled the dose to be administered, Foster said. “I want to be very clear: The state of Michigan is not sitting on doses of vaccine,” she said. “As soon as we get the supply we need, we’ll begin moving closer to our 50,000 shots per day goal,” Foster said.

LANSING, Mich. – When Michigan’s new COVID-19 order goes into effect this weekend, some additional indoor physical activities will be allowed. Four winter contact sports may also begin indoor practices with non-contact activities, MHSAA announced. Swimming and diving will begin Jan. 22 and gymnastics and bowling will begin Jan. 25. Basketball, competitive cheer, ice hockey and wrestling are considered contact sports and may begin non-contact practices Saturday. These are all crucial for Michigan gyms and fitness centers that have been hit hard by the past year’s shutdowns, restrictions and COVID-19-related membership cancellations.

Two Vehicles Have Been Added To The National Historic Vehicle Register For 2020The Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) announces the 27th and 28th vehicles to be added to the National Historic Vehicle Register. The Best 2021 Private High Schools In MichiganNiche is a website that rates schools across the country on a variety of criteria. In their recent list, they analyzed and came back with a list of the best private high schools in Michigan. Niche Releases A List Of The Best High Schools in MichiganNiche is a website that rates schools across the country on a variety of criteria. In their recent list, they analyzed and came back with a list of the best high schools in Michigan.

Two Vehicles Have Been Added To The National Historic Vehicle Register For 2020The Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) announces the 27th and 28th vehicles to be added to the National Historic Vehicle Register. The Best 2021 Private High Schools In MichiganNiche is a website that rates schools across the country on a variety of criteria. In their recent list, they analyzed and came back with a list of the best private high schools in Michigan. Niche Releases A List Of The Best High Schools in MichiganNiche is a website that rates schools across the country on a variety of criteria. In their recent list, they analyzed and came back with a list of the best high schools in Michigan.

Two Vehicles Have Been Added To The National Historic Vehicle Register For 2020The Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) announces the 27th and 28th vehicles to be added to the National Historic Vehicle Register. The Best 2021 Private High Schools In MichiganNiche is a website that rates schools across the country on a variety of criteria. In their recent list, they analyzed and came back with a list of the best private high schools in Michigan. Niche Releases A List Of The Best High Schools in MichiganNiche is a website that rates schools across the country on a variety of criteria. In their recent list, they analyzed and came back with a list of the best high schools in Michigan.

Two Vehicles Have Been Added To The National Historic Vehicle Register For 2020The Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) announces the 27th and 28th vehicles to be added to the National Historic Vehicle Register. The Best 2021 Private High Schools In MichiganNiche is a website that rates schools across the country on a variety of criteria. In their recent list, they analyzed and came back with a list of the best private high schools in Michigan. Niche Releases A List Of The Best High Schools in MichiganNiche is a website that rates schools across the country on a variety of criteria. In their recent list, they analyzed and came back with a list of the best high schools in Michigan.

Two Vehicles Have Been Added To The National Historic Vehicle Register For 2020The Historic Vehicle Association (HVA) announces the 27th and 28th vehicles to be added to the National Historic Vehicle Register. The Best 2021 Private High Schools In MichiganNiche is a website that rates schools across the country on a variety of criteria. In their recent list, they analyzed and came back with a list of the best private high schools in Michigan. Niche Releases A List Of The Best High Schools in MichiganNiche is a website that rates schools across the country on a variety of criteria. In their recent list, they analyzed and came back with a list of the best high schools in Michigan.

Michigan Restaurants Adjusting To New Temporary Shut DownAfter Sunday's lockdown announcement restaurants in the State now scrambling to readjust their services. Wayne County Lightfest Shines Positive Lights During COVID-Era Holiday SeasonOne event in the Metro-Detroit area intends to put some holidays cheer with families looking for something to do outside. Donor In Jackson Giving Millions To Build New Sports Fieldhouse At High SchoolAl Glick said he and his family hope the fieldhouse will help "Jackson High School stand out for generations to come." Meijer Announces Special Pricing On Turkeys As Customers Prepare For A Different Looking HolidayAll frozen Meijer brand turkeys priced at 31 cents per pound with mPerks coupon. Whitmer Says She Has Authority To Order New Stay-Home Order in MichiganGov.

Michigan Restaurants Adjusting To New Temporary Shut DownAfter Sunday's lockdown announcement restaurants in the State now scrambling to readjust their services. Wayne County Lightfest Shines Positive Lights During COVID-Era Holiday SeasonOne event in the Metro-Detroit area intends to put some holidays cheer with families looking for something to do outside. Donor In Jackson Giving Millions To Build New Sports Fieldhouse At High SchoolAl Glick said he and his family hope the fieldhouse will help "Jackson High School stand out for generations to come." Meijer Announces Special Pricing On Turkeys As Customers Prepare For A Different Looking HolidayAll frozen Meijer brand turkeys priced at 31 cents per pound with mPerks coupon. Whitmer Says She Has Authority To Order New Stay-Home Order in MichiganGov.

The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association wanted to target May 29 as the date Michigan Restaurants open. James Beard-winning Chef Andrew Zimmern told Business Insider, restaurants need to be at 85%-90% at the capacity to be able to make it. Like the restaurant industry, in general, has very tight margins when it comes to overhead expenses, food costs, and payroll. With summer approaching, perhaps one idea for Michigan restaurants is to do what other cities across the country are considering. information from BridgeMi, Business Insider, and NBC News contributed to this report.