While many seemed to think that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic would be short-lived within the tourism economy across Florida, it appears that a major group of restaurants is having to extend the “temporary layoffs” of its employees due to the continuous impacts.
Patina Restaurant Group has now officially extended the temporary permit for 505 employees throughout Walt Disney World. According to the Orlando Business JournalAffected locations may include Tutto Italia at EPCOT, as well as Morimoto Asia and Vivoli il Gelato at Disney Springs. Across the state, Delaware North, Patina’s parent company, has laid off 3,323 employees.
Initially, workers were supposed to only stay on temporary leave for six months. Delaware North issued the following response to OBJ:
Several of the employees at our Patina restaurant group at restaurants we operate in the Orlando area have been on temporary vacation since April. They were recently notified that, as a result of Covid-19’s continued business impact, the license could be extended through September or more. We are thankful that we have been able to retire a number of employees since May when we reopened those restaurants with limited hours and appropriate health and safety measures under our Dine Safe program for guests and employees.
Delaware North Cos spokesperson. Inc.
At EPCOT, Tutto Italia remains closed, while Morimoto Asia and Vivoli il Gelato remain open under the “Dine Safe” initiatives at Disney Springs. Delaware North, Patina or Walt Disney World had no further comment.
Source: Orlando Business Journal
