Official: Covid-19 may lead to 1,800 restaurant closures in Arizona

Up to 20% of Arizona restaurants – 1 out of every 5 – may be forced out of business by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the head of the Arizona Restaurant Association.

Steve Chucri, participating Thursday in an ABC15 Town Hall streamed on Facebook, says approximately 8% of the state’s estimated 9,500 restaurants already have closed.

‘‘This was the final straw that broke the camel’s back for many establishments that weren’t doing so well, and they took this to mean that now is the time to exit the stage gracefully and maybe try a new venture or try something else,’’ he says.

Chucri says the pandemic’s full impact on the restaurant industry won’t be known for several months.

You can watch the Town Hall here.