The influx of new restaurants in Washington in recent years is creating a shortage of workers in the city's food service industry.
WAMU Radio reports District of Columbia restaurants employed about 50,000 people last year. This year, that number has grown to about 53,000 workers. With all the growth, restaurant owners say they are having a tougher time filling jobs with experienced staff.
When Woodward Table opened its 300-seat restaurant near McPherson Square last year, it took three months to fill all 130 staff positions. General Manager Omar Hishmeh says it's very difficult to find even one or two good waiters or bartenders.
The staffing process took so long at the new Ted's Bulletin on 14th Street that managers were still seeking workers the day the restaurant opened.
