Local restaurants are struggling to stay open

SALT LAKE CITY — More and more popular local restaurants across the state are closing their doors and struggling to stay afloat in the face of inflation.

Restaurant revenue in Utah is down 15% since the pandemic. And small, local restaurants in particular are feeling the pinch.

“It’s heartbreaking. Many of our locally authentic restaurants in Utah are family owned and operated,” said Melva Sine, president and CEO of the Utah Restaurant Association.

Sine says restaurants didn’t have a chance to recover after the pandemic. They are among the industries that have been hit hardest and now they cannot escape inflation.

According to Sine, costs have skyrocketed. Labor and food costs combined rose nearly 60%. And maybe there won’t be any light at the end of the tunnel anytime soon. Sine says restaurants large and small will continue to struggle.

Chain restaurants have fared better because they often have more financing options. However, Sine said all restaurants are in an uphill battle for the foreseeable future.

Inflation also means families are eating out less often. Sine says overall restaurant revenue in Utah is down.

“We will see these restaurants, regardless of their brand, continue to struggle on every level,” Sine said.

BrittJohnson is a reporter and anchor for KSL NewsRadio.

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