Originally Posted by
mtofell
Yeah, I don't know how much the pandemic has played a role as much as higher min. wage in areas. Back in my other home (Portland, OR) a lot of places have gone to having guests order at the counter rather than having servers come to tables. Maui Brewing is setup that way. If it's done right it can be okay but waiting in line for 10+ minutes every time you want something gets old in a hurry (unfortunately, that was the case at Maui Brewing last time I was there).
I had a text from my son in Eugene this evening. He and his wife were dining out for only the second time in over a year. No server shortage at that particular restaurant. Quick service, adequate attention, meal at the table in 15 minutes after an order was placed. He thinks they were operating at 50% capacity but there was no wait for a table. I wonder if it’s less a factor in college towns where students need to make money all summer to carry them through the school year. Of course I have no idea what wage the restaurant was paying in addition to tips.