When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Having worked in restaurants my entire life, I’ve always understood the significance of this cliché. Tough times aren’t a “what if” scenario in hospitality; it’s “when and how tough?” And I’m fairly certain that the going has never been tougher on our industry than it was in the spring of 2020. 
 
We are proving our toughness daily. The resiliency, resourcefulness, and fierce determination of our industry has been on full display.  NH restaurant and lodging members didn’t just react to the pandemic and subsequent shutdown orders, we shaped the response.  This association’s work with local, state, and federal officials helped inform public policy, and blaze a narrow path between health guidelines and economic sustainability for businesses.  Mike Somers and the NHLRA staff have remained front and center throughout the reopening process, setting the example for other industries.
 
Our challenges remain plentiful. At present, the hospitality industry is being portrayed nationally as a hindrance to public health. Many states have reinstated shutdowns, and the combination of public trepidation and health impositions make profitability a distant aspiration for many operators.  Yet NH is also emerging as a model for a nation that continues to grapple with best practices.  Our collaboration between public health, elected officials, and industry leaders has proven effective.  NH may be the only state where economic hopefulness remains higher than virus case counts.
 
We don’t know what lies ahead, but we know the effort we’ve undertaken has NHLRA members on arguably the best footing possible.  If NH restaurants and hotels can continue operating in a conscientious manner, we have the opportunity to truly set our state and our industry apart.  This will take a unified effort, and the NHRLA staff and Board of Directors pledges to continue to lead the charge.


Jay Bolduc 
Chairman of the Board
T-BONES & CJ's