Majority of Connecticut’s restaurants struggling with higher costs and shrinking workforce

Connecticut”™s restaurant industry is facing an existential crisis within the current inflationary economy, according to a new survey of over 4,000 businesses by the Connecticut Restaurant Association.

The survey found 43% of Connecticut”™s restaurant owners stating their business conditions are worse now versus three months earlier. Complicating matters is an environment where everything is more expensive today ”“ 84% of respondents stated they are dealing with higher food and beverage costs, 86% are struggling with higher utility bills and 62% have higher occupancy costs.

Complicating matters is a labor shortage, with 59% of restaurants complaining that they lack necessary staffing and 80% carrying difficult-to-fill job openings.

To cope with these problems, 94% of restaurants have increased their menu prices, 59% have reduced their hours and 47% have closed on days when they were previously open.

“Restaurant operators are masters at balancing adaptation and innovation to provide amazing service for their customers,” said Scott Dolch, president of the Connecticut Restaurant Association in a press statement. “While operators are more pessimistic about the economy, they aren”™t letting that get in the way of serving great food, providing exceptional service and creating a memorable experience.”