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Restaurants grapple with worker shortage

She said the worker shortage would continue due to robust consumer demand. No doubt more peo- ple are eating out compared to last summer. Robby Kukler, a partner with At- lanta-based Fifth Group Restau- rants, said the labor shortage is preventing his company from reopening one of its restaurants. Fifth Group operates ten restau- rants including South City Kitch- en, Alma Cocina, Lure and Ecco, with locations in areas such as Buckhead, Virgin- ia-Highland and Midtown.

If you’ve been to a restaurant or fast food joint lately, you’ve likely noticed “We’re Hiring” signs. That’s because local eat- eries are struggling to find employees to fill positions after the pandemic shutdown.

Fast food restaurants like Cook Out are offer- ing $12 an hour, bonuses, raises, and contrib- uting to health insurance to attract employees. On a recent Saturday afternoon, the Krystal on Northside Drive at 14th in West Midtown had to temporarily shut down its busy drive-thru win- dow as it waited for employees to arrive. But it’s not just the fast food industry that’s facing staffing issues.

Karen Bremer, president and CEO of the Georgia Restau- rant Association, said she believes restaurants across the state are still short 50,000 to 70,000 workers. “Restaurateurs are struggling to find workers. Many have reduced hours and days open due to worker shortages,” Bremer said in a statement. “Some are offering signing bo- nuses, guaranteed schedules, and higher hourly wages.”

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