TYLER, Texas — Across the nation, restaurants have struggled to keep their doors open.
"It has not been easy; we’ve had to make a lot of adjustments," Lemon Yellow Latin Bites co-owner JJ Perez said.
While many small businesses have struggled, including restaurants and other establishments, Perez figured out a formula that works for them.
"We offer specials. We try to cater closer to what the client wants or needs," Perez said.
Perez agrees this problem isn't unique to the Rose City. At a time when this federal government is trying to reduce inflation, business owners alike are trying to figure out how to keep costs affordable.
"Staying on top of those trends and trying to navigate them," Perez said.
Bob Westbrook, president of the East Texas chapter for Texas Restaurant Association, is a former East Texas CiCi's Pizza franchise owner. Westbrook said the restaurant industry has the lowest profit margins.
"It's all economy related with the conditions of the economy, the high inflation, cost increasing, all of the consumers, there's fewer dollars to spend," Westbrook said.
According to the Henry Bell, president of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, a decrease in the workforce plays a part.
"You have to get more creative you have to look at the generation of what those employees want," Bell said.
No matter the industry, Bell said it's a juggling act.
"We’re literally creating the business model of the future, daily as we go. So persevere as best as you can and fine tune your concept and execute, execute, execute," Westbrook said.