An acquaintance was telling me today they went to the Farragut Christmas Tree lighting. They then decided to go out to eat at Turkey Creek. First they tried a steak house. It did not look busy, but were told it would be a 55 minute wait. They decided to go elsewhere within Turkey Creek. They went in a smaller restaurant that didn't look busy and were told it would be a 20 minute wait. The restaurant person said they only had one cook and 2 servers. After waiting a few minutes the restaurant person came back out and said they wouldn't be able to serve them after all. The cook just walked out.

Anecdotal I know, but wow.

We've experienced employee shortage problems at fast food restaurants in Blount County. We have yet to start going to eat inside restaurants. However, the Cracker Barrel parking lot in Alcoa looks full a lot.