As autumn brings sweater weather to much of the United States, thousands of business owners are starting to feel a chill of their own as they size up their winter prospects.
The pandemic has taken a steep toll on restaurants in particular. As much as citizens want get back to dining out, indoor groups still represent a health gamble unprecedented among living Americans. Until the public is adequately protected and the COVID-19 risk is more manageable, consumer confidence will suffer and so will the economy. The next several months look especially perilous for businesses that depend on in-person discretionary spending.