But experts say it’s scant immediate help for an industry reeling from the pandemic, while critics deride it as an insensitive “three-Martini lunch” giveaway to business. The under-the-radar provision in the bill restores the full deductions prized by business and lobbyists for fine dining and schmoozing. The full tax deductions for business meals in restaurants or taken out or delivered are temporary, only for 2021 and 2022 — unless extended by later legislation. The president and the Republican lawmakers advocating the restoration of corporate tax deductions say doing so could help shore up the restaurant industry. The deductions tend to favor higher-end restaurants, the part of the industry that’s been hardest hit by the pandemic’s economic disruption.

ANN ARBOR – Update: Knight’s Steakhouse reopened on Oct. 29 with limited hours and staff. Knight’s Steakhouse has temporarily closed both of its locations after several employees tested positive for COVID-19. The news comes after Michigan marked its highest one-day increase of 3,338 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday. Gretchen Whitmer said the sharp increase of cases might mean Michigan has to “take steps backward” to curb the spread. Management announced they are working with the Washtenaw County Health Department to determine when it will be safe to reopen.