Everyone who owns or works in a restaurant and everyone who enjoys dining out is happy that restrictions are finally being eliminated or reduced and we will be returning to some sense of normalcy.

What has not been addressed, however, is the shortage of people willing to come back to work. The reason? For many workers, it is more lucrative to stay home and collect unemployment and the extra $300 than it is to go back to work.

Short staffs will result in less than optimal service this summer and may force restaurants to reduce hours because they do not have the people to remain open as much as they normally would during the summer months. 

We call on Governor Murphy and the State Legislators to find a way to incentivize people to work, not to stay home. Perhaps they get to keep the $300 if they return to work. Maybe they can claim a reduced unemployment benefit if they return to work.

Whatever the solution, it is critical to the industry, that has suffered so much in the last year, to be able to capitalize on this long awaited opening.