Macchialina, a much-loved Italian restaurant in Miami Beach, closed for a few days this month after a team member tested positive for the virus. But the restaurant was able to operate during most of the pandemic thanks to Florida’s early reopening (and an outdoor patio).
During the worst of the pandemic, Macchialina laid off 25 employees. Business is still low, but “we can’t complain,” said Michael Pirolo, the executive chef and owner. His brother had to permanently close his restaurant in Brooklyn in April, thanks to the long blockade there.
“We kind of got this bad reputation all over the world for not following the rules, because we are open,” said Jacqueline Pirolo, her sister and managing partner, about Florida. “But, most of the time, our clientele who come to dine with us follow all the rules. We were able to open and do it safely, and that is a happy medium. “
Rolando Aedo, director of operations for the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, said that about half of restaurant employees and 90% of hotels were laid off last year, a loss of about 150,000 jobs practically overnight. Now, the volume of reservations in the OpenTable app is about 97% of what it was before the pandemic hit Florida, he said. Hotel occupancy has dropped by almost 20%, which is better than industry watchers expected.
Hotels are busy booking rooms in Miami Beach, despite the city’s efforts to deter spring break.
“Unfortunately, we are getting a lot of people wanting to let go,” said Mayor Dan Gelber. “Releasing is precisely what we don’t want.”
Recently, at sunset, couples and small groups strolled Ocean Drive, getting in and out of sidewalk restaurants. Nightclubs like Mango’s Tropical Cafe, a staple of South Beach, remain closed. Garage parking costs a whopping $ 20, part of an increase in the price of spring break.