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>It sounds like the restaurant was a side project that was barely solvent to begin with.

It's actually hilarious how downvoted this comment is, considering how close it is to another sentiment that's actually popular (ie. make the same point, but make it about labor costs rather than evil corporations raising prices. Both are based on the claim that if a business isn't profitable enough, it shouldn't exist in the first place.

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> Both are based on the claim that if a business isn't profitable enough, it shouldn't exist in the first place.

I think a little bit of empathy goes a long way. The past few years have wreaked havoc; many people and businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Coldly repeating the mantra that small businesses failing (many for reasons outside their control) is just 'the economy' is rubbing salt in the wound.

Even in the best of times, many great businesses weren't profitable for several years.

Tone matters. The comment people don’t like comes across as really callous.

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