BlogMickey.com has learned that Palmas Restaurant Group has decided to layoff some of its hourly and managerial Cast Members. Palmas Restaurant Group operates a number of third-party dining locations in the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT including San Angel Inn, La Cantina De San Angel, La Cava Del Tequilla and Choza de Margarita.
In a statement to BlogMickey.com, a company spokesperson said that Palmas Restaurant Group found it necessary to layoff some of its hourly and managerial cast members due to extended closures and a loss of business resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. As of publish time, it’s unknown how many Cast Members have been laid off.
“This decision was not taken lightly. The company did everything in its power to avoid a layoff scenario, including extending paid furloughs and medical coverage for as long as was economically feasible despite the mandatory closure of restaurant operations”, a company spokesperson told BlogMickey.com. “We are confident that business levels will one day return to pre-pandemic levels, although the timeline remains uncertain.”
Those who participate in the company-sponsored group health plan will continue to have coverage through July 31. Union cast members will be prioritized in the event of a re-hire and will retain seniority for a period of one year.
As of publish time, Choza de Margarita, La Cantina de San Angel, La Cava de Tequila, La Hacienda de San Angel, and San Angel Inn Restaurante are listed as reopening with EPCOT on July 15th.
In addition to the EPCOT restaurants listed above, Palmas Restaurant Group also operates Rix Sports Bar & Grill, El Mercado, Maya Grill, Siestas Cantina, and Laguna Bar.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com for the latest Disney Parks news and photos. We’ll continue to bring you news and photos, where possible, through the Disney Parks closure due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and will resume our normal coverage once the parks reopen to guests on July 11th!