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ORAL HISTORY
Molly Taylor
Bywater American Bistro
Born in 1982, Molly Taylor is originally from Wisconsin. A musician and service industry worker, she moved to New Orleans to make art. She worked at several other establishments throughout New Orleans before opening Bywater Bistro. In her interview, Taylor draws attention to the similarity of musicians and servers. The two professions used to be places where people could make money no matter what, but Pandemic-era restrictions forced them to stop their work.
From March to July 2020, Taylor was out of work. She spent time on creative endeavors and built deeper relationships with her neighbors. She often staged socially distanced sidewalk get-togethers or talked with them outside. On July 1, 2020, Bywater American Bistro reopened with fifty percent capacity. Taylor, along with two other servers returned to front of house service at Bywater American Bistro. In her interview, she speaks about how she provides a safe dining experience in the restaurant industry during a pandemic.
