Kerri Lonergan-Dreke (left) and her mother, Diane Symms, of Lombardi’s Restaurants. (Andy Bronson / Herald file)

Kerri Lonergan-Dreke (left) and her mother, Diane Symms, of Lombardi’s Restaurants. (Andy Bronson / Herald file)

Frustrated restaurateur reflects on transformative pandemic

Lombardi’s owner Kerri Lonergan-Dreke is unhappy with government but is coping with the changes COVID brought.

Lombardi’s Restaurants owner Kerri Lonergan-Dreke is part of a vocal group of restaurateurs who had been lobbying Olympia to re-open indoor dining that had been shut down by executive order of the governor for most of the past few months. Starting this week, Gov. Jay Inslee eased those restrictions, allowing up to 25% capacity for indoor seating.

It’s not nearly enough for Lonergan-Dreke.

She’s frustrated with the state’s management of the COVID-19 crisis and sees it as a direct attack on families and smaller operators.

“Aside from the large number of small business owners and their employees forced into financial ruin from COVID shutdowns,” she explains, “the bigger concern is the growing gap between the middle class of businesses in America and the exponential influence of big businesses.”

It’s an emotional issue for her and for many other restaurant owners: “Under Gov. Inslee’s ‘edicts,’ corporate America is thriving while small businesses are dying,” she says.

Macro trends already in play were accelerated by the pandemic, Lonergan-Dreke explains, forcing operators to reach deep into internal operations but also out to the real estate industry as it struggles to make physical adjustments to accommodate necessary changes. “The demand for takeout is here to stay, especially for quick service and casual concepts,” she notes.

Making these adjustments at the same time most restaurants and their landlords have been operating with limited revenue is the challenge.

Trends like a smaller physical footprint and designated areas for takeout and delivery pickup are now necessities. She also anticipates restaurant design will need to incorporate more space between tables for increased guest comfort.

“Bay doors and windows that open to the fresh outside air will become critical design elements to improve indoor air circulation year-round,” Lonergan-Dreke says.

The restaurant business is in Lonergan-Dreke’s blood, so she’s not about to give up her fight with Olympia to fully open up as soon as possible. Her mother, Diane Symms, founded Lombardi’s, so Lonergan-Dreke grew up in a business that for her is about much more than a bottom line.

“The most rewarding aspect of being a restaurant owner is taking part in the positive upbeat vibe of a crowded restaurant, building long-term relationships with loyal guests and within the community, and taking part in the development of staff teams,” Lonergan-Dreke says. She smiles, adding, “Eating delicious Italian food on a regular basis is a nice perk, too.”

Tom Hoban

Tom Hoban

Lonergan-Dreke thinks restaurants will have a particularly important role as we come out of government restrictions.

“During the first shutdown, I was struck with how many of our laid-off staff told me how happy they were to be back at work,” she says. “After the first week or two during the stay-at-home order, many people realized how their sense of purpose had been diminished without a connection to their co-workers, family and community. I’m hopeful that society at large will continue to prioritize spending quality time with family and friends in restaurants. There’s a core human need to connect and it’s particularly strong after prolonged isolation like we’ve experienced.”

Occasional contributor Tom Hoban is chairman and co-founder of Hoban Family Office, a real estate investment and services enterprise in Everett.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Business

FILE — Jet fuselages at Boeing’s fabrication site in Everett, Wash., Sept. 28, 2022. Some recently manufactured Boeing and Airbus jets have components made from titanium that was sold using fake documentation verifying the material’s authenticity, according to a supplier for the plane makers. (Jovelle Tamayo/The New York Times)
Boeing adding new space in Everett despite worker reduction

Boeing is expanding the amount of space it occupies in… Continue reading

Paul Roberts makes a speech after winning the Chair’s Legacy Award on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Paul Roberts: An advocate for environmental causes

Roberts is the winner of the newly established Chair’s Legacy Award from Economic Alliance Snohomish County.

Laaysa Chintamani speaks after winning on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Laasya Chintamani: ‘I always loved science and wanted to help people’

Chintamani is the recipient of the Washington STEM Rising Star Award.

Dave Somers makes a speech after winning the Henry M. Jackson Award on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
County Executive Dave Somers: ‘It’s working together’

Somers is the recipient of the Henry M. Jackson Award from Economic Alliance Snohomish County.

Mel Sheldon makes a speech after winning the Elson S. Floyd Award on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mel Sheldon: Coming up big for the Tulalip Tribes

Mel Sheldon is the winner of the Elson S. Floyd Award from Economic Alliance Snohomish County

Craig Skotdal makes a speech after winning on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Tulalip, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Craig Skotdal: Helping to breathe life into downtown Everett

Skotdal is the recipient of the John M. Fluke Sr. award from Economic Alliance Snohomish County

Helion's 6th fusion prototype, Trenta, on display on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Helion celebrates smoother path to fusion energy site approval

Helion CEO applauds legislation signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson expected to streamline site selection process.

The Coastal Community Bank branch in Woodinville. (Contributed photo)
Top banks serving Snohomish County with excellence

A closer look at three financial institutions known for trust, service, and stability.

Image from Erickson Furniture website
From couch to coffee table — Local favorites await

Style your space with the county’s top picks for furniture and flair.

2025 Emerging Leader winner Samantha Love becomes emotional after receiving her award on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Samantha Love named 2025 Emerging Leader for Snohomish County

It was the 10th year that The Herald Business Journal highlights the best and brightest of Snohomish County.

2025 Emerging Leader Tracy Nguyen (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tracy Nguyen: Giving back in her professional and personal life

The marketing director for Mountain Pacific Bank is the chair for “Girls on the Run.”

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.