Hurricane Ida has passed, but for New Orleans restaurants the problems have just begun

Even if the power returns this week, Link said, it would be premature to reopen Herbsaint, Gianna, Peche Seafood Grill or his other spots. About 300 of the 320 employees at his six restaurants left New Orleans before the storm, he says. Even if they come back quickly, they will return to a house or apartment without air conditioning, which would be miserable if not outright inhumane. What’s more, Link says, he’s not sure what the supply lines are like. Cell coverage is terrible, and Interstate 10 around the city has been closed.