The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for businesses worldwide, with many forced to close their doors due to decreased foot traffic and social distancing measures. One such business affected by the pandemic was The Swiss, a popular restaurant and music venue in Tacoma, Washington.

For years, The Swiss had been a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a lively atmosphere, delicious food, and a wide range of events and live music performances. However, the restaurant was forced to close its doors when the pandemic hit, leaving many patrons and employees devastated.

Our Principal Shareholder, Paul Doty, a long-standing customer of The Swiss, had been a regular patron, holding lunches with staff and clients at the restaurant. Upon hearing of the closure, the community was saddened to see such an iconic establishment forced to shut down. Paul held regular lunches with staff and clients at the restaurant, in fact, he was such a frequent visitor of The Swiss that they adorned one of the booths with a plaque labeled “Senior Paul Doty & Friends,” designating it as his official seat.

When the news broke that The Swiss would not be reopening, it left a hole in the heart of Tacoma. Many people felt the loss of this iconic establishment, which had been a staple in the community for decades.

The closure of The Swiss was not an isolated event, as many restaurants across the country were forced to shut down during the pandemic due to reduced business and restrictions on indoor dining. In fact, according to the National Restaurant Association, the industry suffered an estimated $280 billion in losses and was among the hardest-hit sectors during the pandemic.

However, there was a silver lining to the closure of The Swiss. The owners decided to hold an auction to sell off the restaurant's belongings, including a range of unique items. Paul saw this as an opportunity and purchased several things, including the famous neon lighted signs, wood paneling, bar stools, Paul’s bench, and so much more”.

The items purchased from the auction were later used to decorate a conference room in the firm's downtown Tacoma office, serving as a reminder of the pandemic's impact on businesses and the importance of supporting local establishments.

As the world begins to recover from the pandemic, supporting local businesses like The Swiss and helping them get back on their feet is vital. The Doty Group is committed to supporting local businesses and helping them navigate these challenging times.

As for The Swiss, while it may be gone, its legacy lives on. The memories made there, the meals shared, and the sense of community it fostered will forever be a part of Tacoma's history. And with the help of Paul Doty and The Doty Group, some of that history will be preserved and celebrated in their downtown Tacoma office.

To learn more about restaurant closures:

1.      National Restaurant Association - Coronavirus Information and Resources for Restaurants: https://restaurant.org/covid19 This website provides information and resources for the restaurant industry during the pandemic, including statistics and data on the impact of COVID-19.

2.      National Restaurant Association - 2020 State of the Restaurant Industry Report: https://www.restaurant.org/research/state-of-restaurant-industry This report provides an overview of the state of the restaurant industry in 2020, including data on sales, employment, and trends. It also includes information on the impact of the pandemic on the sector.

3.      CNBC - The restaurant industry lost 2.5 million jobs in 2020 due to the pandemic, according to the National Restaurant Association: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/09/the-restaurant-industry-lost-2point5-million-jobs-in-2020-due-to-the-pandemic.html This article cites data from the National Restaurant Association on the job losses in the industry during the pandemic.

4.      Reuters - U.S. Restaurant Industry Lost $280 Billion in Sales in 2020 Due to Pandemic: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-economy-restaurants-idUSKBN2AP2JT This article cites data from the National Restaurant Association on the losses suffered by the industry during the pandemic.