SAN ANTONIO — Restaurants statewide and locally continue to struggle even after overcoming the pandemic.
In a recent survey by the San Antonio Restaurant Association from 2022 to 2023, restaurants reported a 64% dip in customer traffic and 47% decline in sales. One third of the restaurants surveyed said they didn't make a profit in 2023.
"It's been a very difficult time, inflation, labor shortages. Our restaurants are still struggling," said Dawn Larios, Executive Director of the Texas Restaurant Association for the West Texas region. Larios says demand and supply issues continue to be a problem, along with the summer heat, colder temperatures, and labor shortages.
"Food cost have been up 25% from pre-pandemic levels, and then of course we've seen wages go up 30% since 2019." Said Larios.
Lana Duke, owner of Ruth's Chris Steak House, recently celebrated her 10th anniversary at the Grand Hyatt on the Riverwalk.
Duke says she had had her fair share of labor shortages after the hotel shutdown for 7 months during the pandemic.
"We came back and we hired a lot of people. We had to go through training all over again," said Duke.
Duke says many experienced staff got out of the industry all together. She says she has had to slowly build up her business again.
"The cost of beef, everybody knows that you go to the grocery store and it's unbelievable. We've had to be creative without hurting our quality in any way, shape or form," said Duke.
Not all restaurants have been as lucky as Ruth's Chris Steak House.
"We had the news or Rio Rio on the River Walk, closing down after many decades that's very sad, a restaurant from Mad Dog's group closing down on the River Walk," said Larios
Larios says it's not just a River Walk problem, restaurants all over including Southtown are also struggling to bring in customers.
"I would ask our locals please come and patronize our restaurants, they depend on you, they appreciate you. Take advantage of the great restaurants we have," said Larios.
Larios say even with all the struggles, restaurants are hopeful in 2024. Duke says she'll work harder, but also feels good about the future.
"We'll keep sizzling. We promise you that, and we'll give you a great experience," said Duke.