Fourth-Generation Bountiful Restaurant Navigates COVID-19 Pandemic, Eyes Future
Aug 21, 2020, 11:56 PM | Updated: Sep 7, 2020, 5:39 am
BOUNTIFUL, Utah — Amid economics that have been extremely challenging for many mom-and-pops, a fourth-generation restaurant is now eyeing survival beyond the pandemic as business gradually returns.
Pace’s Dairy Ann, which first opened its doors in 1957, faced a less certain future earlier this year when COVID-19 restrictions forced dining rooms to close and encouraged people to stay home.
“We were down as much as 50% in April and March,” said owner Todd Pace, the grandson of original owners Gordon and Elizabeth Pace. “I thought, ‘oh, boy.’”
More issues surfaced in the following months, from food supply shortages and rising overhead to customers not feeling comfortable eating indoors after it was once again allowed.
“The cost of doing business has gone up exponentially,” said Pace, who noted the added expense of personal protective equipment for employees.
Simply retaining workers has been difficult.
“I keep about 20 to 25 on staff and — I’m not exaggerating — I had to hire 19 people within a seven-week period because so many people would not work with the virus,” Pace said. “Either their parents wouldn’t let them or they wouldn’t.”
Pace said business improved in May, dipped in June and July and has been up so far in August.
There are no plans to close.
“Literally I’ve been in the business for 50 years myself and I’m very careful and very conservative,” Pace said. “As long as the public continues to support us, we will make it.”
General manager Austin Pace is now the fourth generation to work at the restaurant, and he also sees the importance of carrying the legacy forward.
“It’s fun to keep it in the family and it means a lot — for sure,” Austin Pace said. “Me and my dad always say, ‘just play it one day at a time.’ That’s what we have done and we’re making it so far.”
There is fresh hope that this mom and pop may welcome future generations.
“If we were to close, there would be mass hysteria for sure,” Todd Pace said. “It’s been a challenge, but it’s also rewarding knowing you can do it.”