This week on Nation's Restaurant News, McDonald’s made the call to close its dining rooms to stop the spread of coronavirus. The chain announced late Monday that “company-owned restaurants will close seating areas, including the use of self-service beverage bars and kiosks, and shift our focus to serving customers through drive-thru, walk-in take-out and McDelivery."
President Trump had a call with top U.S. restaurant chain leaders Tuesday to discuss the industry’s response to COVID-19. According to CNBC, leaders from the following brands were in attendance: Chick-fil-A, Subway, Restaurant Brands International (parent of Burger King and Popeyes), Bloomin’ Brands, McDonald’s, Raising Cane’s, Darden Restaurants and Papa John’s.
In addition to other coronavirus news, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced late Sunday night that restaurants and bars in New York City were ordered to close by Tuesday, March 17 at 9 a.m., “This is not a decision I make lightly. These places are part of the heart and soul of our city. They are part of what it means to be a New Yorker. But our city is facing an unprecedented threat, and we must respond with a wartime mentality,” de Blasio said.
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