This Famous Texas Kolache Hot Spot is Struggling Right Now

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If you've driven through West, Texas (the city of "West comma Texas", not West Texas so there is no confusion here), you probably know it's a popular pitstop on Interstate 35 for travelers.

A famous stop in the town known for its delicious kolaches is struggling to find available staff and has been forced to cut its hours.

For the first time in almost four decades, the Czech Stop in West is no longer open 24 hours a day.

On Aug. 16, the Czech Stop cut its hours to 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Little Czech Bakery next door closed entirely several months earlier.

Officials say it’s because of major staffing shortages.

A sign on the door says they’re hiring.

The mayor of the town told television station KWTX that people in the area are staying home instead of seeking work.

“We’re working through COVID, we’re open for business, and these businesses, these restaurants, they all need wait staff,” Mayor Tommy Muska said.

“Off the couch and behind the counter is what we need to instill in these young people and older people alike, we just need to stop that $300 free money and get them to work.”

Data from the Texas Restaurant Association says more than 90 percent of the state's restaurant owners are struggling to fill positions.

Some restaurants have resorted to raising their menu prices to deal with a shortage of workers.

What are your thoughts, your reaction and your opinion to restaurant staffing shortages? Do you manage a restaurant or work in the service industry? How are you dealing with understaffing issues and finding staff right now? Let us know on Facebook or chat with us on our station app.