“ON THE FLY” FOUNDED TO SUPPORT FOOD, BEVERAGE, AND HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES DURING COVID-19 CRISIS

VERMONT - April 14, 2020 -  Today, a group of current and former food, beverage and hospitality professionals announced the launch of “On the Fly,” an organization on a mission to support and counsel Vermont’s food, beverage, and hospitality businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic.  The grassroots organization offers a free two-hour consultation to affected businesses including a rapid assessment of their current challenges and opportunities; the goal is to find a path forward through the crisis. 

“We came together and asked ourselves, ‘How can we help the industry we love?’” said Sas Stewart, who convened On the Fly.  “The impact of COVID-19 has shaken the very foundations of our economy, but the impact on the hospitality sector is disproportionately felt.”

According to the National Restaurant Association, in 2019, Vermont’s restaurant and foodservice industry represented nearly 10 percent of employment in the state and an estimated $1.1 billion in sales. Over the past month, Vermont’s unemployment rate has jumped from 2.4 percent to over 20 percent. VPR reports that approximately 60 percent of claims are coming from service sector businesses that have been forced to close or dramatically transform in the face of the virus.

“We are heartened by the way Vermont communities have rallied behind the hospitality sector.  We aspire to be problem-solving partners in this struggle, bringing creativity, strategic insight and experience to support our neighbors and friends,” said founding member, FM Muñoz. 

On the Fly encourages interested businesses to reach out to them via their website (www.ontheflyvermont.com) or social media (@ontheflyvt).  Professionals interested in joining the effort, should reach out via the website.

Founding members of On the Fly include: 

Kate Cartwright
Molly Goodyear
Kyle Fischbach
FM Muñoz
Mariah Noth
Emma Redel
Sas Stewart
Anna Travers