Restaurant owners across New York state say an unheard-of labor shortage has stymied their ability to dig themselves out of the financial shortfalls that have come as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. And it comes at a time when warmer weather and the freedom that comes with vaccines are making diners, cooped up all winter, more eager than ever to go out to eat. When they do, these diners will likely see the effects of the workforce shortage, including adapted menus, hard-to-find reservations, higher prices, and, in the end, fewer restaurants. “Across the board, for the front of house and for kitchen staff it’s been near impossible to find staff," said Tyrone Azanedo of Maura’s Kitchen in Nyack, Rockland County. "I think it’s a combination of things: They’re getting unemployment money, may be too scared to come back or have left the industry."