The 121 Steakhouse Lounge and Motel on 121 Third Avenue East聽in Assiniboia had been in business since 2009. Tim Dlouhy and his business partners operate the only steakhouse in town. Steak charity nights are also a special feature of the restaurant, where several local non-profits and interest groups in the region from conservation groups to daycares have raised money to support numerous causes.
The Barb B Motel on 200 First Avenue East and the 121 Liquor Store compose the entire retail package owned by the Dlouhy and company in Assiniboia.
When the pandemic arrived, Dlouhy responded by closing or limiting access to the motels and the restaurant on March 18.
Since 121 Steakhouse is a major employer in the area, several livelihoods in the region were immediately affected. 鈥淲e鈥檝e laid off staff at the very beginning,鈥� Dlouhy said. In total, 56 people employed at the hotels and the restaurant had temporarily lost their jobs because of COVID-19鈥檚 worldwide emergence. 鈥淨uite a few of them will be coming back,鈥� he inserted, adding 鈥淭oday, we have 10 people working.鈥澛� 聽
After restrictions were partially lifted during Phase 3 of the Saskatchewan Re-Open Plan begining on June 8, Dlouhy expected the motels and the restaurant to slowly rebound.
After the closures in March, the restaurant kept running by offering take out and delivery meals, which helped to stabilize 121 Steakhouse to a degree. Also, guests working at the windmill site from Lafarge, Borea and Potentia were staying at the Bar B Motel since February, but the fiscal realities have still been tough.
Nevertheless, 121 Steakhouse will survive the pandemic.
鈥淏usiness-wise, we鈥檙e adapting. We鈥檙e managing to keep the wolf from the door,鈥� Dlouhy reported.
Even so, the 121 Steakhouse business complex took a hit because the motels, the restaurant and the lounge weren鈥檛 allowed to fully reopen for two and a half months.
The economic difficulties of the pandemic distressed Dlouhy鈥檚 profit margins. Also, expenses including mortgage payments and power bills have added up. However, Dlouhy remained hopeful.
鈥淚鈥檓 concerned because of the unknown, but I鈥檓 optimistic things will get back to normal within six months,鈥� he speculated.
