Oceanside’s Flying Pig restaurant had a wait for tables last Friday.
On the surface, that sounds like a dream scenario.
But owner Roddy Browning says sales just didn't match the demand.
“Our capacity is just cut so much, there's just no room for that heavyweight labor when you don't have the capacity,” he said.
It's because of social distancing restrictions.
Browning recently reopened The Flying Pig and his Vista restaurant - Town Hall Public House - with seating cut in about half.
He's working his way back after having to layoff much of his staff when Coronavirus restrictions first took effect. In all Browning had about 60 employees at his two restaurants before COVID.
Now, he's hired about 25.
He says challenges go beyond the finances.
Browning says he and other restaurant owners are having trouble filling jobs in the back of the house.
And there have been isolated incidents where people have refused requests to wear masks - taking their money elsewhere.
Browning says he wants people to understand why masks are required.
As for surviving, Browning says he'll just have to make it work.
