Are Jackson restaurants getting back on track in water crisis? What you need to know
Many Jackson restaurants are still trying to put the pieces back together as they tackle the day-to-day challenges of the water crisis.
Restaurants report things slowly returning to normal as water pressure has been restored this week. But normal still comes with challenges.
A boil-water notice still exists, and it continues to make operations difficult.
“This thing is not over,” said Andy Nesenson, general manager of downtown's Iron Horse Grill. “It’s been affecting my restaurant since July 29 when the issues first started.”
Jackson water crisis latest updates: Math students donate $5K to Jackson flood relief
Cases of water from cities and volunteers across the South were donated to area restaurants to accommodate customers and cooking needs. And Visit Jackson has set up grant possibilities to restaurants in need but restaurants continue to experience financial difficulties.
Wait staff called the situation crazy, and noted that the water challenges put limitations menus, which also affected customers.
“It was really rough for us,” said Angela Beeson, office manager at Room Service Restaurant, a popular salad place downtown. Beeson noted they couldn't use the fountain drink machines.
“So far, it’s been six weeks that we have been dealing with this boil-water notice in Jackson," Nesenson said. “It is absolutely negatively impacting our business, whether it’s the additional cost to stay open, the cost to purchase cases of water or trash pick-ups. We are spending between $2,000-$2,500 per week in addition to reduce the volume with guest coming through the door. It’s a recipe for disaster and an industry-wide problem in the city of Jackson area.”
“Customers hated that we had to raise our prices," Beeson said "The only beverages we could distribute wasbottled water.”Stamps Super Burger, a popular burger spot near Jackson State University, felt the challenges starting with food prep.
“We rely on clean water for everything as far as restaurant cleanliness and making sure our produce is clean,” said Phil Stamps Jr., operations manager at Stamps Super Burger. “We have used access to bottled water and purchased bottled water to try to make sure that the doors stay open, but it has been a challenge. We’ve experienced a significant loss in revenue from 14 to 15 percent this month verses this same month last year.”
A $50,000 grant from Visit Jackson was announced in an effort to help restaurants that were highly affected by the water crisis.
“This grant was made available to restaurants and any entity who serves food on site.” said Yolanda Clay-Moore, Director of Communications for Visit Jackson.
Restaurants can apply for up to $2,000 in funding from Visit Jackson.
Reporter Kiara Fleming can be reached via email KDFleming@jackson.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @ki_dajournalis
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson, MS, restaurants survive through water crisis
