Pandemic restaurant closures produce glut of used equipment The pandemic has forced tens of thousands of restaurants to permanently shut their doors as dining restrictions keep customers away.

Bonilla’s family business, American Restaurant Supply in San Leandro, Calif., buys used appliances, furniture and other equipment when restaurants close in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Bonilla’s family business, American Restaurant Supply in San Leandro, Calif., buys used appliances, furniture and other equipment when restaurants close in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Metheny tried to sell the restaurant’s equipment, but his friend who runs a commercial auction business declined to buy it because he already has too much inventory he can’t sell.