The family-operated August Moon Uptown has poured two decades into its restaurant serving Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine. However, like many New Orleans small businesses, August Moon fears it may end operations soon.
According to the owner’s daughter, Cindy Dao, the restaurant’s profit has hit an all-time low while food costs remain high.
“Chicken and shrimp now cost 15% more than what it did three years ago. Beef has increased 20% than what it was three years ago,” Dao said. “For the past year, even two, it’s been extremely slow.”
Since January, WDSU has reported on at least a dozen New Orleans-area restaurant closures, such as Gris-Gris closing its doors in July.
Officials with the New Orleans Office of Nighttime Economy say businesses nationwide are struggling to keep up with higher insurance and inflation. To ease the burden, this year the department has offered hospitality workers and businesses a handful of incentive programs.
The following programs are offered through the Office of Nighttime Economy:
- Discounted parking for industry workers
- Resources for nightlife businesses
- Tune-up grant program
- Districts after dark
Michael Ince, the acting director of Nighttime Economy, says without small businesses, the entire local economy struggles.
“We really consider food and beverage business social infrastructure, and we want to reinforce that to residents and to folks that travel to New Orleans during the summertime,” he said.
Located next to LCMC and near homes, August Moon Uptown is a place where neighbors and workers can rely on after disasters. Dao says her family has made it a mission to donate meals after every storm since Hurricane Katrina.
More recently, dozens of meals were donated after the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ida.
“My parents, and being immigrants, they came here with nothing. The fact that they are able to help out during hard times, they will do it,” Dao said. “My dad does not want to give up the business; it’s something that he loves and enjoys, but we will have to close,” Dao said.
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