NEW ORLEANS (press release) – On Thursday, April 16, 2020, the Louisiana HSospitality Foundation (LHF) announced the creation of The South Louisiana Bar Owner Relief Fund. The fund was established to support small businesses, specifically bars located in South Louisiana, as they continue to struggle from the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In reality, most of the bars in South Louisiana are closed, while struggling with continued expenses and little to no income. Rent and utilities are still their responsibility, along with other operating payables. These business owners continue to navigate resources but need more help.
LHF’s Executive Director, Jennifer Kelley, says, “These businesses are mandated by law to remain closed, while at the same time they are falling through the cracks of the stimulus programs. We want to ensure that, through this unique time, the watering holes of Louisiana’s ‘Main St. America’ are able to sustain themselves and re-open when allowed.”
Crescent Crown Distributing (CCD) has initially donated $200,000.00 contribution and calls upon other businesses & individuals to contribute to the people & places that they sometimes see every week.
Chris Bourg, EVP General Manager, CCD, Louisiana says, “Southern Louisiana has taken a huge hit, with all bars essentially shut down and unable to generate much needed revenue. We felt it was our duty to step up and do our part toward the relief fund.”
Bourg continues, “Let’s help this important economic engine get the sights, sounds, spirit and soul of Southern Louisiana back on track. We extend a challenge to all industry members who benefit from and proudly serve the bar owners of Southern Louisiana to step up and help support the fund.”
With the majority of bars shutdown, rigid social distancing regulations and federal, state & local recommendations being reformulated at a rapid pace, now is the time to, as Kelley phrases it, support the place “Where Everyone Knows Your Name.”
Applications for the fund will open at Thursday, April 23, at 9:00 a.m. CST.
Please begin the application process at louisianahospitalityfoundation.org/barfund.
