One of the most recognizable names in the New Jersey restaurant industry has had to lay off hundreds of workers due to the coronavirus outbreak in the state.

Restaurateur Tim McLoone says that the sudden closure of his restaurants ordered by the government to prevent further spread of the virus forced him to make the painful decision.

“It was as if all of our locations burned down at the same time. That is what the effect was,” McLoone says.

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More than 700 workers were laid off at 12 restaurants. This is after Gov. Phil Murphy ordered that all restaurants must close dine-in service and only offer takeout or delivery.

Similar restrictions and closures were taking place across the country. Few industries seemed to be untouched by the efforts. Casinos in Atlantic City and Las Vegas were closed, airlines saw steep declines since travel bans were imposed.

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McLoone says that he vows to reopen and rehire the employees that were laid off. But he admits that the future is very uncertain.

“I think [my business] is in jeopardy right now…But we feel we’re doing everything we can do. We have a minimal staff – I think 10 or 12 people still employed. And our job is to investigate every resource we can find,” he says.

McLoone is operating two restaurants as takeout until food supplies in the restaurants run out.