We ve lost a core section of our workforce, local businesses pushing for staff to return Updated: 1:07 PM CDT May 8, 2021 Share Updated: 1:07 PM CDT May 8, 2021
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Show Transcript ARBERY? AUBRY: AUBRY? GINA: AUBRY: GINA, RESTAURANTS ARE GETTING READY TO SEE A LOT OF CUSTOMERS THIS WEEKEND BUT SOME ARE NOT SURE THEY CAN KEEP UP AS THEY ARE FACING A CRITICAL STAFFING SHORTAGE. WE ARE GOING OUTSIDE PATIO THREE. AUBRY: ERIC COOK IS THE OWNER OF GRIS GRIS RESTAURANT ON MAGAZINE WE’VE LOST A CORE SECTION OF OUR WORKFORCE. AUBRY: TYPICALLY, HE HAS ABOUT 45 EMPLOYEES. RIGHT NOW, HE HAS 25. COOK SAYS WHILE SOME PEOPLE ARE MORE COMFORTABLE STAYING ON UNEMPLOYMENT, HE SAYS THE PANDEMIC PUT A MASSIVE MENTAL TOLL ON RESTAURANT WORKERS AND MANY GOT OUT OF THE INDUSTRY FOR GOOD. WHAT PEOPLE ARE FAILING TO REALIZE OR OVERLOOK, I THINK, IS THAT OUR INDUSTRY DIED WE WERE DIED, WE WERE DEAD. COMPLETELY. WE WERE DEAD. SOME NEVER CAME BACK TO LI