Coyote Joe’s owner Ronald H. Bevins recently responded to the Catalina Islander’s ongoing series on the state of the Catalina dining industry. Bevins believes it is a better time to offer specials to residents. As to the mask mandate, he said his employees have been firm about the requirement. (As recently reported, the City Council recently directed the Avalon Sheriff’s Station to begin issuing citations for violating the mask mandate.)
Catalina Islander: What challenges are you facing with the changing restaurant environment?
Ronald H. Bevins: Everything you can imagine. Food shortages, higher prices for most items, expense for needed safety measures, plastic glass, masks, thermometer, extra employees for special cleaning, and it just isn’t the right time to pass these costs on by higher prices, in fact, it seems to be better to do more specials for the locals who make up so much of our business.
Islander: Has your business received support from the city?
Bevins: The city has been supportive in allowing outside dining on the beach, and their staff is always responsive to any question or request for assistance.
Islander: Have city staff been helpful? What do you think the city should do?
Bevins: The city is listening to the community, is facing tough economic decisions, and all of the council members and staff are doing triple duty. Even if we don’t all agree on every decision, as a community it’s a time to support each other, including the city.
Islander: Have you or your staff had problems with customers who object to the mask mandate?
Bevins: There are a lot of folks who don’t want to wear a mask, but our employees are very firm, but friendly, and we have not had any major problems. If they don’t want to wear a mask, we ask them to leave, and they either comply or leave.
Islander: Do you expect to still be in business next year?
Bevins: No one knows what will happen tomorrow, much less next year. Every business owner this year has been on a daily roller coaster. But we certainly hope so, it’s part of our lives to be a part of the Avalon community.
