Some Central hospitality businesses are facing enduring staff shortages and the impacts are biting, with one Alexandra business now on the market. 

There are ‘we’re hiring’ signs up everywhere; for baristas, kitchen hands, chefs, cooks, and hospitality staff.

Sidewalk Cafe owner Jo Tweedie said it’s “dire” and she’s selling after four years as the stress has become too much.

“We’ve cut Saturday out already and possibly Monday might be next.

“We really need someone who knows what they are doing… a cook and a barista with experience.” 

Sidewalk Cafe had to shut their doors for an entire week (March 26 - April 3). 

Jo said she’s come to terms with what’s happening.

“There’s lots of people with more stressful situations than me.

“You don’t want to close on the weekends… but I feel my loyalty to my loyal weekday customers.

“It’s always been hard to find good staff and at the moment it’s almost impossible.” 

Sidewalk Cafe has been looking for full time staff members since early February.

Sidewalk Cafe on Centennial Ave

Industry Lane’s front of house manager Talia Duncan said her team was feeling the impacts of the tight labour market.

“Shout out to everyone that’s struggling for staff and it's affecting your workplace… It's a crappy time and hope for onwards and upwards.

“We were quite lucky over the holidays with school kids coming back and wanting work.

“We really need full timers… [but] hospitality is a stressful, busy environment.”

Talia said there were moments of burn out but closing slightly earlier was a way to manage that and look after employees. 

Industry Lane regularly updates customers with opening hour changes on its Facebook page, and it has been closing early on weekdays in recent weeks. 

Ten minutes away in Clyde there are similar problems. Dunstan House’s Facebook page said its staffing shortage had become “critical”.

Dunstan House, who make everything from scratch, is closed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday to prepare for the days it is open (8.30am -2pm).

Olivers and The Merchant of Clyde are looking for staff.

Bucking the trend, Clyde’s Recharge Bar owner Gareth Watt has filled a casual vacancy quickly.

“Our staffing is good.

“We have a variation of work to do as well and that helps. There’s juicing and coffees and everyone is doing everything.”

The Old Bank Cafe has evolved its hospitality business, retiring the coffee machine and becoming an a la carte restaurant offering lunch and dinner.

The main message from the hospitality staff and owners The Central App spoke to was to try to be patient, and if you’re on holiday spare a thought for those who are doing their best to look after you.

Check out The Central App Eat and Drink listings here.

Have you been struggling to find staff? Share your story with [email protected]