The National Restaurant Association reports that nearly 100,000 restaurants across the nation have closed since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association says that things are dire in the state, and it is pushing for legislation to provide financial aid to restaurant owners.

In New Jersey, restaurants can only operate with 25% indoor dining, outdoor dining or takeout and delivery.

The owner of Candlewyck Diner in East Rutherford says that things are working out OK at his restaurant. But he says that the situation is not good enough for all.

“They’re back on rents. They’re back on property. They just can’t operate,” says owner James Logothetis.

Logothetis is also the president of Pan Gregorian Enterprise, an industry association that represents 900 independent restaurant owners across the state.

“Right now, we’re looking at 40% closing doors permanently if this 25% stays any longer,” he says.

To keep that from happening, Pan Gregorian Enterprise has joined forces with two other industry groups, Delaware Valley Purchasing and the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association for the “Restaurants are Essential Too” campaign. The group is meeting with lawmakers to push for financial aid and to increase indoor capacity.

“In New Jersey, it's anticipated that 35% of all small independent restaurants will not reopen or close by the end of the year,” says MaryLou Halverson with the restaurant association.

The campaign is meant to help restaurant owners and others in related businesses.

“There’s many suppliers that service the restaurants from linens, to bakeries, food service supplies, cleaning chemicals – all affected,” says Delaware Valley Purchasing President Rick Aurite.

The groups are also looking for public support through social media posts and flyers.