Thanks to Shutdown, El Loro Mexican Restaurant Opening Faces Delay

The state government shutdown has likely claimed another victim, albeit temporarily.

El Loro Mexican Restaurant Owner Alex Gomez says the opening of his new restaurant in Inver Grove Heights will likely be delayed. But with the state government out of operation, the restaurateur says he is unlikely to get the restaurant inspection he needs to open his doors on time.

The Minnesota Department of Health website states that restaurant inspections will continue on a "very limited basis" during the government shutdown. But only 189 of the department's 1,550 employees are currently working, and those employees have a number of other tasks to accomplish, including newborn infant screening, vaccine distribution and protection of the drinking water supply.

Because of the shutdown, Gomez hopes to have his 5,300-square-foot eatery open by the end of the month—if the state shutdown ends within the next several weeks.

Although he's committed to seeing his new restaurant through, Gomez says he's frustrated by the unexpected delay. Postponing the opening will have a significant impact on Gomez' operations, he said.

"It’s going to be big because I’m going to be paying rent, and it's not making money," Gomez said of the restaurant. "It’s a waste of time; we’re wasting time, and time is money."

“I’m just trying to stay calm and cross my fingers," Gomez said. “I have to think positively, I can’t think negatively."