Area restaurants struggling to hire during COVID-19

TRAFFORD, PA — The Kickstand Grille had to close its dining room at one point because of staffing issues — now that their busy season is approaching, they’re looking to hire more positions but are having trouble filling them.

“Extremely frustrating because when you’re in this business, you’re doing everything you can do, every minute of the day, to build it. And when you get it built and can’t service it, that’s the frustrating part.”

Mike Mapstone has owned and operated the Kickstand Grille in Trafford for seven years. He hasn’t had an issue maintaining a full staff until the pandemic hit, and despite an overwhelming response to help wanted ads, he’s still having trouble hiring.

“I had 112 people that have applied through our various ads, 112 interviews scheduled, not one person has shown up.”

Mapstone has had to slash operating hours because he doesn’t have enough workers to take on the shifts to stay open.

“I’m the cook. I’m the phone answerer, in the drive-thru window person; order taker, accounts payable, accounts receivable.”

The Kickstand Grille has since hired two employees but still needs about four more positions filled. However, Mapstone can’t understand why it’s been so difficult finding workers to fit the job.

“It seems strange that I’d have that many responses, and not one of those people have ever shown up.”