Help wanted: Service industry businesses grapple with shortage of workers

Attention job seekers - openings are still available in the service industry.
The Greekish in Nyack welcomed a new waitress on Wednesday, but the restaurant is far from fully staffed.
Before the pandemic, the restaurant would receive nearly 30 applications for one job posting. The owner says now he's lucky if he receives five.
"And one of those might show up and maybe they're qualified," says Constantine Kalandranis, owner of The Greekish.
Since the spring, the business has tripled salaries, instituted a bonus program and stretched staff to take on more shifts and responsibilities.
"When you can't make up for those bodies and resources, you end up with friction or disappointment," he says.
But when it comes to finding waitstaff, the problem isn't unique to Nyack. In Nanuet, there are also help wanted signs everywhere.
The staffing shortages forced one pizzeria in West Nyack to close on Sundays - something The Greekish is already doing by closing its Harrison restaurant on Mondays.
"Everyone should be patient because it's not us, it's everywhere," says Kalandranis.