ABILENE, TX — Do you find yourself stuck in a drive-thru grabbing dinner or lunch?
“I understand and realize that the pandemic has caused a lack of people wanting to work we see hiring signs everywhere,” said a KTXS viewer’s email.
Many of you have emailed in with some complaints asking, why?
“You can go through any fast food line and wait an average of 10 to 15 or more minutes, and that’s just to order. Then, you pay and get your food,” said one viewer.
Friday at Panera Bread a sign up reads, “Sorry due to lack of staff we are closed for the rest of the evening.”
Chick-Fil-A is fully staffed at night with high school and college students, but are struggling with daytime staff members.
“Our culture is all about people,” said Brian LaCroix, owner of Chick-Fil-A on Clack Drive.
Chick-Fil-A has 135 workers but needs more.
LaCroix has been creative in how he hires and manages his workers. He pays for his employees’ children’s childcare and little league sporting events at the YMCA. There is also a program that pays for the first two years of college.
“We are seeking creative ways. We could hire 20 people now,” said LaCroix.
The Chick-Fil-A owner believes it’s a mixture of reasons for the shortage.
Nationwide Restaurant employment has risen each month this year, according to the National Restaurant Association. There are still 1.1 million open jobs across the nation.
Many owners believe that there are too many job openings and not enough workers.
