"The Coronavirus: A Reigning Tyrant”

By Jamal Lahiani
Social distancing, quarantines, and mandated closures, due to worldwide events, have unraveled the fabrics of our cities and states at head spinning rates.  Temporary closures of businesses and the layoffs that followed are red flags that recall the economic crisis of 2008. Some economies are still feeling the effects of this slump from a decade ago.  As articles regularly compete for our attention, the only thing certain for our service industry is a looming uncertainty. This time will challenge our ability to make clear decisions, to discern truth from fiction, and to choose between remaining steadfast or retreating.  

Businesses are prudent buoys to preserve for after things settle, as they will help expedite a return to normalcy. To make sense of this chaos within our industry, one can look into the future, or at least something that resembles it. As many states and countries have more advanced Covid-19 situations than Hawaii, each, though unique in circumstance, can offer relevant advice.  The tactical adjustment of our industry peers from other regions have many commonalities that stand out. Beyond closing down, businesses ranging from upscale to casual have shifted away from their varied service styles to a take-out and delivery format. This, however, comes in a multitude of variations.  

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