The Brief
- A report compiled by Hospitality Minnesota says that although restaurant locations have grown in the state since 2019, many owners still struggle with finding enough employees.
- Although restaurants are growing, the hospitality industry has yet to see pre-COVID 19 pandemic occupancy rates, with 35.9% of business operators saying they are in decline currently.
- Of the businesses surveyed, 49.7% reported lower revenue in 2024 compared to 2021, and only 26.7% of those same operators expected revenue to increase.
(FOX 9) – A new report suggests that although business has rebounded since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants, hotels and resorts are struggling with staffing levels and occupancy rates that are still down compared to 2019 or earlier.
Minnesota restaurants face rising labor costs
What we know:
Hospitality Minnesota – an association that represents restaurants, resorts and campgrounds throughout the state – held a press conference Monday to report its findings that highlight the ongoing economic challenges that restaurants, hotels, resorts, and other lodgings around the state face currently.
According to Angie Whitcomb, Hospitality Minnesota’s President and CEO, the industries “continue facing unrelated headwinds” as they hope to grow, while also facing potential inflation uncertainties.…