I've been reading up on this after St. John's Seafood stopped opening for lunch - they are dinner only now. They stated this is because they cannot find enough workers. In the same center Pho Village had one worker taking orders who told me he was exhausted and asked to me if I knew anyone who wanted a job. It is sad. Also, the two sit down restaurants I have visited recently had what I think was service by non-citizens (I feel for those seeking a better life, despite thinking immigration should be for those who are legal, so this is not meant to be a mean comment - and yes, I know some got recent stimulus, but they do not get unemployment so need to work to live.)
Anyway...WSJ reported two things (1) Some people still will not return to jobs out of Covid-fear (2) Many restaurant workers found different jobs when they were laid off during the pandemic.
It rather surprised me that WSJ failed to mention how lucrative unemployment insurance is. According to my understanding, all one must do is state they were "looking for work" and state places they say they sought jobs to continue on it. So, I think high unemployment benefits, even as the nation re-opens, is a reason.
I have begun calling to confirm restaurants are open before going.
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