Restaurant Dreams Become Reality During and Despite Pandemic
Welcome to summer, Space Coast! As we continue to build back from the events of 2020, we remain hopeful with declining COVID-19 numbers, more residents vaccinated and a renewed sense of hope as we see our beaches and restaurants filling back up.
Restaurant owners were among the hardest hit during the pandemic. First forced to close, then having to establish strict safety measures, to now battling ongoing staffing issues and food pipeline woes, Brevard’s culinary mavericks are among some of our most resilient residents.
The National Restaurant Association’s 2021 State of the Restaurant Industry report addresses the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the restaurant industry, including the following:
- The restaurant industry ended 2020 with total sales $240 billion below the Association’s pre-pandemic forecast for the year.
- As of Dec. 1, 2020, more than 110,000 eating and drinking establishments were closed for business temporarily, or for good.
- The eating and drinking place sector finished 2020 nearly 2.5 million jobs below its pre-coronavirus level. At the peak of initial closures, the Association estimates up to 8 million employees were laid off or furloughed.
All of these findings have trickled down to Brevard restaurants, as well, and I have seen firsthand the frustration they have been experiencing. With every challenge comes an opportunity to rise to the occasion, though, and I’ve been fortunate enough to come across two such restaurants that not only opened during the pandemic, but are succeeding despite it.
Chez Cani Café & Bistro
Nicolas and Carine Meme opened the quaint and authentic French eatery Chez Cani Café & Bistro in Suntree in late 2019. As their website proudly states, “Once upon a time, the Meme’s family decided to live the American dream.” Originally from Bordeaux, the couple bring a creative, delicious and authentic French flare to Brevard.
Just a few months after opening with enthusiasm and hope, Chez Cani had to quickly close its doors due to the pandemic. Despite these challenges, they remained focused and committed to their craft, welcoming customers back to their tables for culinary delights and got creative by offering private chef events, catering and seven-course meals that blow your mind!
Q’s Crackin’ Crab & Seafood Kitchen
”I would tell new business owners to follow their dreams. Don’t allow anything to hold you back. There will always be a circumstance that can hold you back. It could be a recession, pandemic, or anything. No matter what, go for it!
— Quinisha Bredwood
One of Brevard’s most ambitious working moms owns Q’s Crackin’ Crab & Seafood Kitchen in Cocoa Beach. Quinisha Bredwood and her supportive husband, Anthony Bredwood, opened this unique dining experience in July 2020.
One of her first lessons learned as a restaurant owner opening during a pandemic was, “Always negotiate your lease!”
A fast fan favorite, Q’s has drawn an East/West crowd pulling in crab and seafood devotees from Orlando and beyond. Quinisha made it clear that she survives with a little help from her friends. She called on fellow restaurant owners from all walks of life to support her during her opening, and leaning on their lessons learned, she has built something truly special for the Space Coast community.
With hope on the horizon for local restaurants with the release of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, it is important now more than ever that we band together this summer and patron our locally owned restaurants and small businesses. Together, we will build back our economy and our taste buds one locally owned bite at a time.
Chez Cani Café & Bistro
6375 N. Wickham Rd., Suite 108
Melbourne
Instagram: @chez_cani
Facebook: /ChezCani-105515694314532
Q's Crackin' Crab & Seafood Kitchen
5240 N Atlantic Ave., Ste. 100
Cocoa Beach
Instagram: @weloveqs
Facebook: /qscrackincrab
Jennifer Sugarman, President and CEO of the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce, is a busy working mom to son, Emmett. She formed the Cocoa Beach Chamber’s Young Professionals Group in 2016, currently serves on the board for United Way of Brevard and is an active member in Brevard County’s business community.
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