If you’ve ever sold hospitality insurance, then spare a thought for brokers over in the US who are currently facing a host of claims as restaurants struggle to pick up the tab after the recent barrage of hurricane activity.
CNBC cited restaurant owners who shared their experiences after being hit by Hurricane Harvey in Houston. Among them is Brian Fasthoff, who was forced to close his restaurant for a week due to a power outage.
According to the report, the restauranteur has yet to get a response from his insurer – half a month after putting in his claim. Losses include having to pay rent and salaries even amid closure, as well as the cost of food rotting in non-working refrigerators.
“They [insurers] are about to get really busy with the other hurricanes. And we need help as soon as they can, because restaurants don’t run on big margins to begin with,” Fasthoff told
CNBC.
While most of the restaurants have reopened, concerns include getting back on their feet at a time when people would rather their money go towards home repairs than on restaurant dining. Not to mention that going out might still be a challenge in itself, for some.
“The most difficult part for the restaurant industry in Houston is the decrease in general business over the next few months at least,” said Peli Peli Restaurant co-founder Thomas Nguyen.
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