GREENSBORO, N.C. — Four restaurants have closed across the Triad in the past two weeks.
All four of the restaurants said the closures are because of staffing issues.
Ham's American Bar and Grille
In High Point, Ham's American Bar and Grille announced it is permanently closed. Ham's has been a staple in the community since 1935 and this was their last location.
Owner Rocky Scarfone said he made the difficult decision to close because he couldn't get the staff he needed.
Scarfone said it was a trickle-down effect of Covid-19. He said the worker shortage and inflation played the biggest role.
There were nearly 25 positions open and while Scarfone said he tried to make it three more weeks until football season, he knew he wouldn't be able to handle the rush of people coming in.
"It would be a disservice for, you know, myself as a restaurant owner and for my customers, if I can't open half my restaurant and I can't serve the people properly that are there to pay me, so it was a hard decision but it was a necessary decision," Scarfone said.
Scarfone said that if the worker shortage levels out, he will revisit the idea of reopening, but for now, it will remain closed.
"Due to the financial hardship sustained during COVID and the inability to staff adequately, it is with a heavy heart that we have to announce that Ham's has closed permanently," Ham's posted on its Facebook page.
Loflin's Family Restaurant
Nearly 2 weeks ago, Loflin's Family Restaurant closed its doors permanently. Owner Dewey Loflin said the restaurant was in business for 45 years.
In November, they tightened their hours and finally decided that inflation and a worker shortage was too much for them to handle.
Dewey Loflin said he had customers come up to their doors crying about the loss.
"We're going to have to go into some of our savings because bills are still coming in that we don't have the money and the business to pay," said Loflin. "Through the grace of God, he'll see us through it."
The restaurant was a scratch-cooking eatery.
"I am sad for the fact that there is nothing I can do about it, me or my wife because we more or less got abandoned by our help," he said. "That's not saying we would've made it anyway, but I think there would've been a way if there was more loyalty to the business."
The business posted this note on their door, notifying customers they were done.
"We want to thank all of our loyal customers for eating here at Loflin's all these years. As for Tuesday, July 12, we will close our doors and retire after 45 years of being in business. We love you all and have enjoyed getting to know you! Thanks again, Dewey and Linda Loflin."
Lexington Style Trimmings Barbecue
Lexington Style Trimmings Barbecue was the latest eatery to announce its closure. The restaurant said its last day would be July 30.
People were seen filling the parking lot to grab a bite to eat and staff rushed outside to take the curbside pick-up orders.
"Due to the lack of waitstaff and the continued struggle to find employees, Saturday, July 30 will be our last day operating the restaurant," Lexington Style Trimmings Barbecue posted on its Facebook page.
Rody's Tavern
Then in June, Rody's Tavern in Greensboro closed its doors permanently. One day before the announcement, Rody's posted on Facebook that it was closed "due to inadequate staffing." The next day, the restaurant posted a longer message, thanking its customers over the years.
"We'll miss you! We hope to see each one of you very soon. Maybe on the other side of the bar," Rody's said in its post.
Could a 5th business join the growing number?
Business is booming at Dickie-Do's BBQ in Haw River, but Owner Jennifer Trieskey is pleading for help.
Trieskey was a nurse, but six months ago she decided to help save the family business by helping out.
"I am the catering coordinator, the food truck coordinator and then I also help around the restaurant because those positions are open as well," said Jennifer Trieskey.
Now she is the one who needs saving.
"In order for us to stay open, we need help and we need it urgently otherwise you know all this work and all of our regular customers and our community...we're not going to be here," she said.
There are at least 10 open positions and only four people are working to keep everything going. The staff is working 12 plus hour days.
Customers said they don't want to see this place go and while she is praying for a lifeline if it takes too long, it might be too late.
"I am trying hard not to get to that point to where we're saying that's it," she said.
Trieskey posted this message on Facebook: "We need staff in order to stay open! Apply today!"
Dickie-Do's BBQ closed a few times temporarily because there wasn't enough staff.
This time it is different. The owner is praying for changes to keep the business open.
What Social Media is Saying
The moment we posted this story on our Facebook page, hundreds of people started commenting on what could be behind closures and staffing shortages. But the issue isn't unique to the restaurant industry; several workplaces across the nation are struggling to keep and find employees. Here's what some folks are saying.
"This is the result of 'If you don't like a job or the pay, find a new job.' People listened and now these places can't find staff to work. You can't blame people for finding something better-paying," Kreslyn Bell said.
But Teresa Richardson disagrees.
"People who are saying these places don’t pay enough are wrong. My daughter started waitressing at 15 years old (16 years ago) and continued until recently when she graduated from college. She made enough money from tips to save a down payment and bought her first home at the age of 22. And this was in a small town! It all depends on how motivated you are and if you are willing to work for what you want!" Richardson said.
Toni Quinn gave perspective as someone who formerly worked in the service industry.
"I made great money and met great people before COVID-19. I even went back for a bit while I was transitioning and the customers were unbelievable. I even had a guy say to me U SHOULD BE WELL RESTED AFTER THAT BREAK YOU HAD with a smirk...the lack of understanding...the complaints...it just wasn't an industry I was proud to be a part of anymore. I hate it for the places that closed but for a lot of us, it was time to move on. I miss the perks of making my own schedule but I enjoy spending more time with my son," Quinn commented.
Anna Freilberg shared her thoughts as a small business owner.
"As a small business owner, there are lots of things that factor in. We have to treat employees well, but in return, they have to work. The younger generation doesn’t want to work as hard, they have entitlement. All my employees came back after Covid. I paid their benefits the entire time we were closed. I give annual raises, and pay insurance and make sure they get the schedule they need for school and family time. They see me cleaning and doing things bc I would never ask them to do something I wouldn’t. I do know the younger generation has figured out other ways to make money….Uber, grocery delivery, and so on," Freilberg said.
Merrick Burleson thinks more closures are yet to come.
"We will see more of our favorite restaurants closing due to lack of staffing until we start paying service staff a living wage. $2.13 an hour (+ tips from the kindness of strangers) don’t cut it anymore," Burleson said.