Mexico City restaurants grapple with H1N1 restrictions

Amid the developing swine flu [now to be called H1N1 Influenza A] outbreak, U.S. restaurant companies with locations in Mexico City are making the best of a government-mandated shutdown of dine-in service.

While some operators continue to seek incremental sales by offering takeout, others are taking the opportunity to address maintenance during the mandated time their restaurants are empty. Nonetheless, the hit to business, while yet unquantifiable, is undeniable.

Michelle King, a spokeswoman for Canton, Mass.-based Dunkin’ Brands Inc. said: “Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins’ franchise owners in Mexico City are required to comply fully with the order set forth by the interior secretary of Mexico City. At this time all of our stores in Mexico City are open and limiting sales to takeout as instructed by the local authorities.”

Local fine-dining operator Jordi Escofet, who owns the award-winning La Cava in Mexico City, said he has closed his restaurant according to orders. “We have been told to remain closed until May 6, but I think the government will probably prolong that. It’s terrible. The situation is not very fair.”

In the interim, he said he is keeping some of his staff busy addressing maintenance needs. Escofet said he believes some restaurant hotels in the city have been allowed to remain open to feed their guests.   H1N1 resources for restaurants by the NRA