Everett staple cuts back open hours with worker shortage

Local businesses suffer from persistent labor shortages

If you’ve had to look for a job over the past 18 months, you know it can be tough out there. And while the number of jobs in this state is rising, some business owners say they just can’t find enough people to work and now it is hurting their profits.

EVERETT, wash. – For the first time in nearly six decades, Ray’s drive-in is closed for almost as many days as it is open.

In the iconic Everett restaurant, the workers work like well-oiled machines. But they are so busy that owner Jeff Doleshel says he needs to demote himself.

“I’m turning burgers again,” said Doleshel

It’s a confusing dichotomy, many are out of work, but Rays and other companies are unable to find workers.

“I have no explanation,” said Doleshel.

For the foreseeable future, when you call Ray’s you will receive voicemail stating that they are closed on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.

Before the pandemic, they were open 6 days a week, according to Doleshel.

They are not open every day, that is less money and that worries Doleshel.

“There is almost 50% of the week that we don’t make any money,” Doleshel said.

At least when they are open, customers flock in.

“My girlfriend brought me here for the first time in 1982,” said one customer.

“It’s great, they’re really good,” said Michael Crockett.

Crockett likes it so much that he says he drove all the way from Bellevue to Everett just to get a burger.

Ray’s recipes have been passed down to 4 generations. But to keep them going, they need workers.

TIED TOGETHER: Shortage of staff disrupts ferry service near Anacortes

Stay connected with Q13 News on all platforms:

DOWNLOAD: Q13 news and weather apps
SEE: Q13 news live
SUBSCRIBE TO: Q13 FOX on YouTube
DAILY OVERVIEW: Sign up for our newsletter
CONSEQUENCES: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram