Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
Maine’s construction industry isn’t the only sector experiencing a shortage of qualified workers, as restaurants across the state are struggling to find skilled employees as the busy summer tourist season ramps up.
The Bangor Daily News spoke to a handful of local restaurateurs and industry officials who said that a number of factors are contributing to the shortage of qualified employees, including competition from other seasonal jobs that could be more appealing than the high-stress environment of a kitchen.
“It’s idolized on TV, but it’s a hard job. It’s grueling, long hours until you get to sous chef and you make OK money,” Robyn Violette, general manager of the Portland-based Fore Street Restaurant, told the BDN. “People think you create a few things and you are Wolfgang Puck.”
Garrett Fitzgerald, owner of Bar Harbor Lobster Co., told the BDN that another factor contributing to the shortage is the lack of affordable housing for seasonal employees. Although hordes of summer tourists create a larger demand for kitchen help, it often can come at the expense of a place for workers to live.
“There are more jobs and less places to put people. We’ve planned for visitors but not people that have to serve them,” Fitzgerald told the BDN.
The Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Learn MoreWork for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Learn MoreFew people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
Learn moreThe Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Work for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Few people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
Comments