As the annual rebirth of tourism swells traffic downtown and beyond, restaurants typically ramp up staffing and extend hours. This year is unlike any other, though, as the dining spots battle lingering Covid fears, compete with one another for the limited supply of labor and confront the challenge from congressional action that made staying home more financially appealing.
Renzo’s Ristorante, at the corner of North Main and Fifth Avenue, has not managed to overcome the challenges yet. At Renzo’s, wide windowpanes that might ordinarily feature signs about nightly specials or entertainment shout a plaintive plea: “Hiring. Let’s Open!”