Many Moose Javians have been ready to support local restaurants again since the public guidelines have been lifted, but some of your favourite local dining spots are struggling to hire new staff to keep up. 

Some establishments are having to hire recruitment companies to get more staff on board, spending more money than expected after a difficult year of trying to make ends meet.

Owner and operator of Streets Steakhouse & Bar, Ashlea Street, says part of the problem is programs like the Canadian Emergency Benefit program continuing until September.

"It's not like it's a $20 an hour job, so they weigh the pros and cons; if I can have the summer off why wouldn't I," says Streets. 

Street says the main issue is finding kitchen staff.

"We are a steakhouse, so being able to grill steaks properly, that's what we are. It's difficult to find good people who know how to do that properly," says Street.

If you don't know much about the industry as a customer, Street says it can be difficult to understand. 

"You don't want to use COVID-19 as an excuse, but in reality, it's been tough."

The restaurant industry is not alone in the struggle to find staff. Lisa Schenner, sales manager for Quality Inn and Suites in Moose Jaw, says the uptake in rooms has them scrambling.

"Now that things have reopened, we need staff," says Schenner. "We need more people, that's the big takeaway from recent weeks."

Schenner says all types of staff are currently needed.

"We need housekeeping, front desk staff, just more people in general," says Schenner.  

Without the right amount of staff, it is difficult for local businesses to continue on post-pandemic.