Danielle Wiener-Bronner

When Cowbell, a comfort food restaurant in New Orleans, started requiring proof of vaccination for indoor dining, some customers were less than thrilled.

Across the country, Americans are getting vaccinated. States and cities are loosening pandemic-related restrictions. And people are heading back to restaurants.

A few weeks ago, Philippe Massoud posted online ads looking for a cook to hire at ilili, his New York City restaurant.

For nearly a year, restaurant operators across the country have had to ask themselves a devastating question: Can we afford to stay open?