Ya’ll!! It has been so long since we’ve chatted! Life was pretty busy, but I haven’t forgotten about the blog side of Pursuit of Delights. Just as I was getting ready to launch additional behind the scenes and travel posts, COVID-19 came into all of our lives, causing a whirlwind of emotions across the board. As we all begin to slowly move forward into the unknown, there are still so many questions that are looming in the air. When will restaurants open? When will I be able to travel again? When can we get back to normal? When? When? When?? There’s also another question that has been swirling around my brain. Why did some restaurants, and not others, choose to close up shop pretty early in the process? What led to that decision? Luckily for me and for you all, I have a great friend who launched an interview series TODAY where she asked these questions to restaurant owners who made that choice in the DMV. This friend’s name is Anela Malik (@feedthemalik), whom I admire so much! She is literally a spicy ball of fire who fights for injustice and what she believes in (peep the shirt below).

Here’s a snippet from her preview newsletter explaining the “why” behind her “what”:

COVID-19 has caused an unprecedented global economic slowdown, predicted to be much worse than the 2008 financial crisis. In just one month 22 million unemployment claims were filed and businesses across America hurt as sales declined and stay at home orders went into effect. Small and independent businesses have been particularly affected. We’ve seen the numbers and heard the stats, though a looming sense of unknown remains as the true length and breadth of this crisis remains to be seen.

Statistics aside, what is the reality for the owners and operators of local, independent businesses impacted by this crisis? What does this epidemic mean for small restaurants and food businesses? Especially for restaurants that have shut their doors completely during this period, what does the future hold?

As a foodie, blogger, and lover of local independent restaurants, I wanted to know. Beyond the macro level stats and expert quotes, why have some restaurants chosen to close during COVID-19? How are restaurant owners and their employees coping? How big of a financial hit have they taken? Where are they finding hope and inspiration during this crisis?”

I know…it makes you want to keep reading….and you should! It is so important for us to step outside of our box and hear other’s stories. Anela has given us just that. Click here to read (and listen…there’s audio in there too) the first segment of her interview series. It will open your eyes into the behind the scenes world of restaurant owners impacted by COVID-19. I guarantee, you’ll be ready for the next one right after finishing. Soooo… don’t forget to subscribe to her blog too!

Anela…my friend…you’re doing great things. And the best is yet to come!