Noon Edition airs on Fridays at noon on WFIU.

Restaurants that survived the pandemic now face another, unexpected challenge: finding enough workers to fully reopen.  

Many restaurant owners and some politicians believe businesses are competing with the federal government’s temporary $300 increase to unemployment benefits. While Indiana will allow these and other benefits to expire, some experts believe the problem is more sustained. 

This new task might be more sustained than originally thought.

Indiana's unemployment rate is currently 3.9%. While that's higher than it was before the pandemic began, some economists believe the struggle for workers will persist.

Many restaurants are searching for ways to attract new employees--including higher wages--

This week on Noon Edition, we’re talking with restaurants owners and industry experts to learn what's behind the struggle for employees.

You can follow us on Twitter @NoonEdition or join us on the air by calling in at 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send us questions for the show at news@indianapublicmedia.org.

Note: This week of our guests and hosts will participate remotely to avoid risk of spreading infection. 

Guests

R. Andrew Butters, Associate Professor of Economics, Indiana University

Sadie Kealohi Clarke, Director of Operations, WOW Food Group

Bob Costello, Owner, Village Deli 

Patrick Tamm, President, Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association