FRANKSTON, Texas — A pair of forces are impacting many small businesses in East Texas, rising inflation and a lack of workers. It’s forcing them to make tough decisions about what they can offer and how long they can stay open.
Windmill Cafe on the Square announced that they will now close on Mondays.
"We are short of labor," said Linda Streck, owner of Windmill Cafe. "It was a hard decision."
Streck talked about living in a world of too much inflation and not enough workers.
"What happens a lot of the times is your smaller crew has to pick up those extra hours and they're already working at maximum," Streck said. "It's hard to ask them to work extra hours."
She also mentioned having to call in an employee who was supposed to be off today.
"I don't want it to impact my customer service, and I don't want it to impact our food quality," Streck said. "That's a big struggle."
Another big struggle is the lack of supplies around East Texas.
"One week we [couldn't] get a cup, and I use two to three different suppliers for products like that," Streck said. "Everybody will be out of that particular cup."
Streck has been in the food business since the late 80's but she’s never seen food shortages like what the nation is experiencing today.
"It's resulting in a lot higher prices, so there's no controlling the price at this point," Streck said.
Even on the days when she’s short staffed, that doesn’t stop people from across the state from enjoying some food at the restaurant.
"We're from the West Texas and we came to see my mom and dad," said Jill Sparkman, a customer. "They live in Troup and so we always come to the Windmill Cafe before we go to Troup."
Sparkman's family has noticed the same struggles around the state.
"Especially where we're from in Odessa, it's just a big issue all over with the short staff and the high prices," Sparkman said. "With gas, people are really not wanting to travel as much."
Regardless of the struggles, Streck wants her customers to know that she's very thankful and grateful for them. She understands that without them she wouldn't have a business.
"If we can drive all the way from Odessa, and this is our first stop, then people can come over and eat this awesome food," Sparkman said.