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 Co-owner JJ Perez said.
While many small businesses have struggled. including restaurants and other establishments, Lemon Yellow in Tyler's co-owner, JJ 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 is a former East Texas CiCi's pizza franchise owner. Westbrook says 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," East Texas Restaurant Association Chapter Chair Bob Westbrook.
According to the Henry Bell, the president of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, a decrease in workforce plays a part.
"You have to get more creative you have to look at the generation of what those employees want," Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce President Henry Bell said.
No matter the industry, Bell says 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.