The National Restaurant Association is intensifying the pressure on Congress to pass a relief package that would help the industry survive the worsening COVID-19 crisis, warning Monday morning that closures will soar far beyond the current casualty count of 110,000 locations—about 17% of the business—without an immediate financial lifeline.
In a letter to Congressional leaders, the association provided new survey data that show the industry is bleeding out. Sales for roughly 9 out of 10 restaurants (87%) have dropped by more than a third (36%), while costs have not dipped accordingly…