While many seemed to think that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic would be short-lived within the tourism economy across Florida, it seems one major restaurant group is having to extend “temporary layoffs” of its employees due to ongoing impacts.

Patina Restaurant Group has now officially extended temporary leave for 505 employees across Walt Disney World. According to the Orlando Business Journal, locations impacted may include Tutto Italia at EPCOT, as well as Morimoto Asia and Vivoli il Gelato at Disney Springs. Throughout the state, Delaware North, the parent company of Patina, has laid off 3,323 employees.

Initially, workers were only supposed to remain on temporary leave for six months. Delaware North issued the following response to OBJ:

A number of our Patina Restaurant Group’s employees in restaurants we operate in the Orlando area have been on temporary leave since April. They recently were notified that as a result of Covid-19’s ongoing impact on the business, the leave could be extended through September or beyond. We are thankful we have been able to recall a number of employees since May as we re-opened those restaurants with limited hours and appropriate health and safety measures under our Dine Safe program for guests and employees.

Spokesperson for Delaware North Cos. Inc.

At Tutto Italia at EPCOT as well as Morimoto Asia and Vivoli il Gelato remain open under “Dine Safe” initiatives at Disney Springs. No further comment was issued by Delaware North, Patina, or Walt Disney World.

Source: Orlando Business Journal