Experts predict 1 in 5 restaurants will close due to coronavirus pandemic

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)  Will your favorite restaurant be able to survive the coronavirus pandemic?

Experts are predicting that one in every five restaurants in New England will fold due to the pandemic.

The Massachusetts Restaurant Association expects roughly 3,600 of the state’s 16,000 restaurants will close their doors for good after the pandemic.

The Rhode Island Hospitality Association says it’s hard to give an exact estimate, but they’re expecting similar numbers.

Local restaurant owners we spoke to say the CARES Act and PPP Loans have been helpful, but their biggest challenge is paying the rent.

“We had to shut down Viva Mexico downtown temporarily,” said restaurateur Andres Ruiz of Providence. “The expenses were surpassing the profits,” he explained.

Ruiz and his father own two restaurants in Providence — Viva Mexico Cantina Grill on Washington Street in downtown, and Mexico Restaurant on Atwells Ave. in Olneyville.

“If [restaurants] don’t get protected in the sense of rent expenses, you’re going to see a bunch of open retail spaces,” Ruiz said.

The Ruiz family says they’re happy with the guidance given by Governor Gina Raimondo, and they are hoping expanded indoor and outdoor dining will help both of their locations.

But particularly with their more expensive downtown location, the family expects to struggle if rent payments are not forgiven or delayed.