Restaurant Association President Says Indiana's Eateries Are Coming Back to Life Following Costly Pandemic Year

WITZ RADIO NEWS IS AN AFFILIATE OF NETWORK INDIANA

STATEWIDE -- There are signs of life at Indiana restaurants after a pandemic year. 

Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association president Patrick Tamm says the hospitality industry has "turned a strong corner" in Indiana, though he warns there's still a long road ahead. He predicts it'll be a year or more before business fully recovers, while hotels won't be back to pre-pandemic levels for another three years.

Tamm has said the pandemic put a fifth of Indiana's restaurants out of business. But he says restaurants are recovering faster in Indiana than elsewhere. 

He gives credit to mayors who cleared a path for outdoor dining, and state officials who he says have worked with restaurant owners, not against them.