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Outdoor dining is set up on the corner of West College Avenue and North Williamson Avenue in Elon. As the weather warms up, these tables will soon be packed with diners.
The restaurant industry was hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic. But with spring and summer weather just around the corner, they might soon get hit by crowds once again. Are they ready for it?
It's often thought that the warmer months of spring and summer are the best for the restaurant industry and there's data to back it up. According to National Restaurant Association data, more than 93% of restaurant operators say the weather affects their sales and customer counts. While snowy days can put a damper on dining, warm spring days can also pull in crowds thanks to outdoor dining options. Additionally, in 2021, the National Restaurant Association found that 68% of full-service restaurants saw a 20% or more increase in sales when outdoor dining options were available.
With temperatures climbing, we checked in with local restaurant owners – especially those with outdoor dining – to see if they were fully staffed and ready for this increase in traffic. We heard a mix of responses, but most said they're prepared.
Kimberly Holt, owner of Pandora's Pies in Elon, said the restaurant is mostly prepared for the busy season.
"This is a big season for us with Elon (University) being right across the street and with graduation coming up," she said.
The pizza joint has five outdoor seating tables, plus access to an outdoor covered seating area set up by the town on West College Avenue. Those tables are not waited on by staff, but diners are welcome to place a takeout order from Pandora's or any other business on North Williamson Avenue and grab a seat while they dine. Plenty of tables are also available inside.
Holt said her waitstaff roster is full, again thanks to the restaurant's proximity to the university, but Pandora's could use one or two more kitchen staff employees. Even so, she feels good heading into the spring and summer months.
"We're as ready as we're going to be," she said.
Outdoor dining is set up on the corner of West College Avenue and North Williamson Avenue in Elon. As the weather warms up, these tables will soon be packed with diners.
Times-News
Elizabeth Pattman
Chef John Wilson at Sophie's Cork & Ale in Lexington previously told a reporter with The Dispatch that he had been having trouble keeping staffing levels up over the past two years. It seems the tides have shifted and, as of early April, the wine bar was fully staffed.
"That could change in an hour," Wilson joked.
With an anticipated increase in customers coming with the warmer weather, Wilson said he feels prepared overall. In addition to their indoor space, Sophie's Cork & Ale has a small patio area if you want to soak up the sun while you dine.
Jay Magana, the owner of The Eatery in Lexington, doesn't feel as ready.
"It's kind of hard to find dedicated (people) but we are hiring," he said.
The "Mexican street food express" style restaurant has two open positions on first shift, but Magana said they've been struggling to find good employees.
"People that say they want to work don't work," he explained. "Restaurants (are) demanding. It's not hard work but it's demanding."
As the warmer weather rolls in and foot traffic increases in uptown Lexington, The Eatery could feel the pinch.
David's Restaurant in Asheboro, a popular restaurant according to Trip Advisor, echoed the sentiments of Holt and Wilson, stating the restaurant is well staffed and ready for the influx of diners.
"We've been pretty solid," owner Neyra Pena said.
The restaurant currently doesn't have any open roles and the full staff is prepared to serve customers both indoors and out.
Considering how many jobs were lost in the industry during the pandemic, it seems local Triad restaurants have recouped their losses and will see a well-staffed warm weather dining season.
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Elizabeth Pattman is the trending topics reporter for the Times-News in Burlington, covering business, COVID-19 and all things trending. Contact Elizabeth (she/her) at epattman@gannett.com. I'm also available on social media @EPattmanTN on Twitter or @burlingtontimesnews on Instagram.
