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Bars and Restaurants Peel Cash From Walls to Help Idled Workers Bars and Restaurants Peel Cash From Walls to Help Idled Workers
(3 days later)
As stay-at-home orders took effect to slow the spread of the coronavirus, many restaurants and bars had to temporarily close or switch to delivery and takeout only, forcing owners to lay off or furlough employees.As stay-at-home orders took effect to slow the spread of the coronavirus, many restaurants and bars had to temporarily close or switch to delivery and takeout only, forcing owners to lay off or furlough employees.
But instead of hitting walls in search of ways to help, some bar owners are scaling them — carefully removing dollar bills that were taped or stapled there over the years and donating them to their employees.But instead of hitting walls in search of ways to help, some bar owners are scaling them — carefully removing dollar bills that were taped or stapled there over the years and donating them to their employees.
Here is a look at some of them.Here is a look at some of them.
Tybee Island, Ga.Tybee Island, Ga.
The Sand Bar usually bustles with customers looking for $2 Jell-O shots, tater tots and live music.The Sand Bar usually bustles with customers looking for $2 Jell-O shots, tater tots and live music.
New and repeat customers have been writing “love notes” on dollar bills and taping or stapling them to the walls of the business in this barrier island city about 18 miles from Savannah.New and repeat customers have been writing “love notes” on dollar bills and taping or stapling them to the walls of the business in this barrier island city about 18 miles from Savannah.
But at the end of March, after the Sand Bar’s owner, Jennifer Knox, had to temporarily close, she said she began looking for a way to help her unemployed staff.But at the end of March, after the Sand Bar’s owner, Jennifer Knox, had to temporarily close, she said she began looking for a way to help her unemployed staff.
“We were looking and the answers are on the wall,” Ms. Knox said on Saturday. She described the work as a “labor of love.”“We were looking and the answers are on the wall,” Ms. Knox said on Saturday. She described the work as a “labor of love.”
Using a flat-head screwdriver, pliers and staple removers, it took five volunteers more than three days to strip the walls of its dollar bills.Using a flat-head screwdriver, pliers and staple removers, it took five volunteers more than three days to strip the walls of its dollar bills.
“It looked like I tried to bathe a large cat because I had cuts all over me” from removing staples from the bills, she said, laughing.“It looked like I tried to bathe a large cat because I had cuts all over me” from removing staples from the bills, she said, laughing.
Volunteers stood on table tops and ladders to reach the money. Notes on the bills included “Love yo momma” and a reminder to tip the bartenders. It took a week to clean and count the cash.Volunteers stood on table tops and ladders to reach the money. Notes on the bills included “Love yo momma” and a reminder to tip the bartenders. It took a week to clean and count the cash.
In all, $3,714 was pulled off the walls, in addition to foreign currency, Ms. Knox said. A Facebook video from the bar showed two rows of stacked bills wrapping around the counter. Customers donated an additional $390 as word circulated about what the bar was doing.In all, $3,714 was pulled off the walls, in addition to foreign currency, Ms. Knox said. A Facebook video from the bar showed two rows of stacked bills wrapping around the counter. Customers donated an additional $390 as word circulated about what the bar was doing.
Ms. Knox said she paid her four bartenders and two musicians $600 each. One bartender donated her portion to another bartender in the city.Ms. Knox said she paid her four bartenders and two musicians $600 each. One bartender donated her portion to another bartender in the city.
Last week, a donor from Arizona matched the original amount, so Ms. Knox said she distributed envelopes with $500 each to other local bartenders and musiciansLast week, a donor from Arizona matched the original amount, so Ms. Knox said she distributed envelopes with $500 each to other local bartenders and musicians
“We have been so moved,” she said. “We are all in this together.”“We have been so moved,” she said. “We are all in this together.”
North Myrtle Beach, S.C.North Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Since 1989, customers have followed a tradition of taping dollar bills to the cedar walls of Hamburger Joe’s in this beach city about 120 miles north of Charleston.Since 1989, customers have followed a tradition of taping dollar bills to the cedar walls of Hamburger Joe’s in this beach city about 120 miles north of Charleston.
They signed the bills with their names and the date. People also marked the dates of special events held there, such as bachelorette parties. Children doodled flowers on the bills and sports fans sketched panthers after the North Carolina football team.They signed the bills with their names and the date. People also marked the dates of special events held there, such as bachelorette parties. Children doodled flowers on the bills and sports fans sketched panthers after the North Carolina football team.
The dollar décor has been part of the draw at the restaurant, which is known for its “all-the-way cheeseburgers” loaded with coleslaw, onions, mustard and chili.The dollar décor has been part of the draw at the restaurant, which is known for its “all-the-way cheeseburgers” loaded with coleslaw, onions, mustard and chili.
The seasonal eatery usually has about 80 employees, but after the coronavirus shutdown, only about 14 were left.The seasonal eatery usually has about 80 employees, but after the coronavirus shutdown, only about 14 were left.
Richard Brooks, a general manager of Hamburger Joe’s and a son of its owner, had to lay off some employees as the restaurant shifted from seating 150 to takeout and curbside service. Some workers also left voluntarily because they were worried about their health.Richard Brooks, a general manager of Hamburger Joe’s and a son of its owner, had to lay off some employees as the restaurant shifted from seating 150 to takeout and curbside service. Some workers also left voluntarily because they were worried about their health.
After hearing about the Sand Bar in Georgia, customers suggested that Mr. Brooks do the same.After hearing about the Sand Bar in Georgia, customers suggested that Mr. Brooks do the same.
“We never thought we’d take them all down,” Mr. Brooks said. “It was the time.”“We never thought we’d take them all down,” Mr. Brooks said. “It was the time.”
But it wasn’t easy.But it wasn’t easy.
Some of the bills were 20 feet high on a wall. It took about four days and 10 volunteers to carefully peel away the bills.Some of the bills were 20 feet high on a wall. It took about four days and 10 volunteers to carefully peel away the bills.
“I didn’t think it would take this long, but 30 years and 5,000 square feet of dollar bills add up I guess,” he said.“I didn’t think it would take this long, but 30 years and 5,000 square feet of dollar bills add up I guess,” he said.
Mr. Brooks estimated that $8,000 to $10,000 was collected. Last week, he brought the bills to his bank, where tellers were still tallying them and trying to piece together the ones that were torn and weathered.Mr. Brooks estimated that $8,000 to $10,000 was collected. Last week, he brought the bills to his bank, where tellers were still tallying them and trying to piece together the ones that were torn and weathered.
“I am hoping that 90 percent are salvageable,” he said.“I am hoping that 90 percent are salvageable,” he said.
Mr. Brooks said he would not know how much he would give each employee until the count is done.Mr. Brooks said he would not know how much he would give each employee until the count is done.
“We plan on giving 100 percent, whatever that may be,” he said.“We plan on giving 100 percent, whatever that may be,” he said.
In the meantime, he has already given employees grocery store gift cards.In the meantime, he has already given employees grocery store gift cards.
Updated June 5, 2020 Updated June 12, 2020
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“We are not going to let them go hungry or homeless," he said. “We have been blessed.”“We are not going to let them go hungry or homeless," he said. “We have been blessed.”
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
When the Hott Leggz sports bar closed last month because of the coronavirus, its owners laid off 22 of its 25 employees as the business transitioned to takeout and delivery.When the Hott Leggz sports bar closed last month because of the coronavirus, its owners laid off 22 of its 25 employees as the business transitioned to takeout and delivery.
But an owner, Juliana Sodre, said she found inspiration in the marked-up and wrinkled bills inside the 2,500-square-foot establishment.But an owner, Juliana Sodre, said she found inspiration in the marked-up and wrinkled bills inside the 2,500-square-foot establishment.
For the past nine years, patrons have posted dollars that lined the columns and interior walls after ordering crab legs, wings and beer. Notes written on the bills range from “Coral loves Navid” and “Da Bears,” for the Chicago Bears, to simply “buy a flashlight.”For the past nine years, patrons have posted dollars that lined the columns and interior walls after ordering crab legs, wings and beer. Notes written on the bills range from “Coral loves Navid” and “Da Bears,” for the Chicago Bears, to simply “buy a flashlight.”
“I used to tell my business partner all the time: ‘Save for a rainy day. If something goes wrong, we are literally sitting on money,’” Ms. Sodre said. “So this pandemic counts as a rainy day.”“I used to tell my business partner all the time: ‘Save for a rainy day. If something goes wrong, we are literally sitting on money,’” Ms. Sodre said. “So this pandemic counts as a rainy day.”
Wearing masks, 10 people, including the bar’s co-owner, Ky Novak, began to carefully remove, clean and count the bills on March 21. They delivered the last batch to the bank on Friday. The total: about $10,000.Wearing masks, 10 people, including the bar’s co-owner, Ky Novak, began to carefully remove, clean and count the bills on March 21. They delivered the last batch to the bank on Friday. The total: about $10,000.
“It’s a lot of money in the big scheme but when you split it between employees, unfortunately, it’s not that much,” Ms. Sodre said. “If we can take the pressure from them even if it’s for a week or two, we know that we have done something good.”“It’s a lot of money in the big scheme but when you split it between employees, unfortunately, it’s not that much,” Ms. Sodre said. “If we can take the pressure from them even if it’s for a week or two, we know that we have done something good.”
The owners plan to continue the tradition of allowing customers to post dollar bills on the walls after the restaurant fully reopens.The owners plan to continue the tradition of allowing customers to post dollar bills on the walls after the restaurant fully reopens.
“Everybody who comes in here to pick up food,” Ms. Sodre said, “they can’t wait to get back here and post another dollar on the wall.”“Everybody who comes in here to pick up food,” Ms. Sodre said, “they can’t wait to get back here and post another dollar on the wall.”