Iowa Restaurants Struggle as Staffing Shortage Hits Deep
Iowa restaurant operators report a multiyear staffing crisis with losses near 1.5 billion in sales during the pandemic and ongoing hiring challenges. Demographics driving the pullback include under 24 workers, 45 to 54 year olds, and over 60 retirees, while wage increases and benefits boosts aim to lure workers back. Centered in Davenport, Moline, and Ames, operators note higher wages, fewer applicants, and spaced scheduling as they cope with limited capacity.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Dunker
Iowa State University
Dave Swenson
Swenson
Dan Bush
Armored Gardens
Davenport
Moline
Bush
Iowa Restaurant Association
COVID
Association
Kim Reynolds
Indeed
Reynolds
Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics
Freedom Fest to Host Largest Fireworks Show Ever
The Freedom Fest fireworks plan expands to 6,766 shells with a larger launch area to allow bigger shells and more complex patterns. Organizers faced a tight 10 week timeline after last year’s pandemic cancellation, with choreographed timing controlled by computer and extensive tube setups.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Myers
Karol Shepherd
Freedom Festival Fireworks Tonight Across Cedar Rapids
Dusk display from the Second Avenue Bridge and McGrath Amphitheatre offers free entry for kids 8 and under with Freedom Festival button required for others. Button $5 sold at Hy-Vee and Casey's. Fireworks broadcast on Z102.9 and KCRG TV 9.2. Shepherd marks first year as executive director amid high crowd interest.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Paul Myers
J&m
First Avenue
Cedar Rapids
Myers
J&m Displays
Yarmouth
Jim Slosiarek
the Gazette
Terry Routier
Jim Wolfe
Christine Whitlock
First Avenue Bridge
Second Avenue Bridge
McGrath Amphitheatre
Hy-Vee
Casey
Kcrg-Tv
Freedomfestival.com
Cedar Boat Club
Marion
Shepherd
Freedom Festival
Also Mentioned on This Page
Zachary Dupont
The
Mason City Globe Gazette
SE Tait
McDonald's
Liz Martin
Dave
Swenson Nin
Uwae Slale University
Freedom Fest
Rylee
Wilson
Thegazette