Bay Area restaurants facing small hiring pool after many laid-off workers left during pandemic

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Bay Area restaurants are facing a hiring hurdle.

As the pandemic took hold, many laid-off workers left the region.

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Now that restaurants are reopening, owners are facing major staffing shortages.

Some owners say they are raising wages and adding benefits in hopes of attracting new employees.

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A small labor pool means restaurants may take even longer to reopen.

Some businesses may be forced to shut down permanently.