States greenlight bars and restaurants. But many owners won’t open

Bars and restaurants in São Paulo were allowed to open their doors this week as the city entered the fourth stage of its economic reopening plan, after more than three months in quarantine. However, for many owners, facing the operational costs and health risks of opening up for business without being sure that customers will show up is not yet worth the gamble. 

Some of the city’s most famous eateries — such as Arturito, run by celebrity chef Paola Carosella, and Rodrigo Oliveira’s Mocotó — have decided to remain closed, operating only on a delivery and takeaway basis. On its official Instagram profile, the Mocotó team said they will open their dining room “when we feel safe. We are taking care of both our health and that of our customers.”

Beyond the obvious health concerns of welcoming sit-in diners once more — as Brazil surpasses the mark of 1.6 million confirmed coronavirus cases, among them President Jair Bolsonaro — restaurant owners also have financial aspects to consider when deciding to reopen their doors. 

“Lots of restaurateurs are insecure and financially fragile. Many don’t have the means to reopen, even if they want to. They have to solve the financial issues to bring employees back and restock. Also, they fear being closed once more and think that customers may not show up,” says Percival Maricato, president of the São Paulo branch of the...