© 2024 KLCC

KLCC
136 W 8th Ave
Eugene OR 97401
541-463-6000
klcc@klcc.org

Contact Us

FCC Applications
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Tough Love: The Restaurant Business in Oregon

Norma Mortenson
/
Pexels

Few industries have suffered as much during and after the height of COVID than the restaurant business. Lockdowns that closed doors for months, a massive shift to takeout only, inflation pressures and a labor shortage have all wracked an industry that was already tough to begin with.

Oregon On The Record spoke with those on the front lines of the restaurant business in our community and heard directly about the incredible pressure, stress, and love that they daily routine entails.

We spoke with chef owners from noted local establishments Lion and Owl, Pazzo, All thai’d Up, and Ivy’s Cookin’ and heard how they survived the pandemic and how their mindset of flexibility and innovation kept them going during the darkest of times.

The president and CEO of the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association also told us that the industry is still suffering from a lack of employees who haven’t yet filled positions at a pre-pandemic level.

Yet despite the challenges, everyone told us that being a restauranter is a true calling for those who heed it.

Michael Dunne is the host and producer for KLCC’s weekly public affairs show, Oregon On The Record. In this role, Michael interviews experts from around Western and Central Oregon to dive deep into the issues that matter most to the station’s audience. Michael also hosts and produces KLCC’s leadership podcast – Oregon Rainmakers, and writes a business column for The Chronicle which serves Springfield and South Lane County.