caydiver
Contributor
Just a mention about the restaurants out east, Chef Ron is said to be taking over the Catch location. It’s a business decision. Same as The Lighthouse — the sale was in the works pre Covid. A number of new places have opened since the pandemic. Some real notables are Tomfoodery, Carnavoire, etc. Haven’t tried the new place the wonderful crew from Casa 43 are opening at the Eduardos location but have heard great things. Some said they were closing because of Covid, but have magically reopened. They just didn’t want to pay staff, where others not only paid staff, but fed those in the industry left without jobs. We know a number of employees from the RC and Kimpton who arrived, finished quarantine and are back at work in their respective places. The new Greek restaurant to open at The Grove is ordering furnishings, interviewing staff and already had brought in their management team. It is not all gloom and doom Sadly have not heard anything good about the dive industry. Even the Lobster Pot Dive Center has closed. The prices were to increase for ops there before Covid ever happened. There is just not the money coming into the industry and Covid was the final kick in the teeth. However some ops are massively involved with training locals, conservation efforts for government etc, so perhaps some will get through. Businesses on the EE were never getting enough support from the local market so they are not a good bet. Selling out makes business sense. Also they have just broken ground on a new less expensive hotel going up next to Kimpton off public beach and other new hotel construction is ongoing. The RC is going ahead with its planned renovation in summer (so naturally is not bringing back permit holders aggressively at the moment). Vaccinations are going well. Mine is happening on Monday. We do have a lot of hope!!!
