“Restaurants don’t only employ servers and bartenders...we support farms, fisheries, delivery drivers, maintenance workers, and wine distributors. We also create spaces for people to gather and create memories.”

— Blair Wagner

What is your name, age, where are you from, and where do/did you work?

Blair Wagner, 26, I'm from Savannah, Ga. I worked at The Grey.

How did you feel about your role and the industry before COVID-19?

I absolutely love the restaurant industry, especially here in Savannah. We have a small one, so it's become its own familial community. It's a great way to make good money while having a flexible schedule...I actually turned down a job in my field when I graduated because I would be making less money while working a 9-5. I really enjoy being a part of this small world that cares about food and cultivating a warm and hospitable environment.

“...restaurant owners deserve better, they’ve played an important role in local economies all throughout our country.”

What are your thoughts now?
I think that COVID-19 has revealed a lot of flaws in the system....there's little protection for restaurant workers and owners. I think we're realizing how crucial restaurants are to the economy, and honestly to our social life. Restaurants don't only employ servers and bartenders...we support farms, fisheries, delivery drivers, maintenance workers, and wine distributors. We also create spaces for people to gather and create memories. So I think that right now, we have to figure out how to improve these systems so that we don't completely crumble when something like Covid-19 strikes again.

If you could have one wish in terms of support right now, what would it be?

Better bailouts for small restaurant owners. What's being offered to most small restaurants right now are basically huge loans with conditions and rules that will inevitably just create more debt for these owners. They are basically financial traps. These restaurant owners deserve better, they've played an important role in local economies all throughout our country.

What's your biggest stress reliever right now?
My three biggest stress relievers are watching Naruto, practicing yoga, and Facetiming my friends.

Busboy x A.R.T.S.Y : MEET BLAIR WAGNER

Follow Blair’s Journey @_blairrose