Kelly’s 19th Hole Closes After 38 Years in Brooklyn Park
Another restaurant has fallen victim to the COVID-19 pandemic. The owners of Kelly’s 19th Hole Restaurant and Bar announced they are closing permanently. The restaurant has been a part of the Brooklyn Park community for 38 years.
Kelly’s 19th Hole Closing due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The owners posted a message on Facebook in part, saying, “it’s with heavy hearts that we make this announcement. Due to recent events in the world, COVID-19, we will not be reopening.”
The Brooklyn Park staple initially closed during the governor’s stay-at-home order March 16, but never opened back up.
“Here’s to new beginnings for all of us,” the Facebook post read. “Please stay happy and healthy! Cheers to 38 years!”
Kelly’s 19th Hole is known for its pizza, chicken wings and bingo. It also sponsored local youth sports teams.
Small Restaurants Struggle During Pandemic
The closing is part of a national downward trend. According to the National Restaurant Association, the restaurant industry lost $120 billion in sales during the first three months of the pandemic. The industry expects to lose $240 billion by year’s end.
Kelly’s 19th Hole has been apart of the Brooklyn Park Community for over 30 years.
“What you’re seeing is that the bigger companies are able to pivot to online, to delivery, a small restaurant can try to do the same thing, but what happens is they have to pay a huge chunk of their fees to these delivery guys, as much as 30 percent,” said Professor Professor George John with the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. “It’s very hard for them to do that.”
“Why doesn’t Domino’s, or Papa John’s have to do that? Well, they’re bigger, so they can negotiate, and No. 2, can do it themselves, so they have some advantages that the smaller folks don’t have,” John explained.
Professor John also says other restaurants could become casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic if they don’t receive economic relief. Meanwhile, the city of Brooklyn Park and Hennepin County have resources available to assist small businesses.
