CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte’s Restaurant Week, called the Queen's Feast, kicks off Friday, July 22. Over 75 businesses across the Charlotte area are preparing for the rush amid industry-wide staffing shortages and inflation.
One small business participating is El Puro Cuban Restaurant on South Boulevard. Co-owner Ana Perez told WCNC Charlotte that the restaurant is already racking up reservations for the weekend ahead. Perez is hopeful they can keep the momentum going to help cover the costs of expensive supplies and ingredients.
The family-owned restaurant has created a special menu for the week-long event and hopes to profit despite inflation.
"We can all agree it's affecting everybody," Perez said. "And of course, it’s affecting the price we sell the product.”
When El Puro participated in January’s restaurant week, their three-course meal was $35. This time around, they're charging $40.
"We really don’t want to raise the prices, because we want people to come," Perez explained. "But at the same time, we need to have that price to a place that – it works."
The price of food is hurting Cajun Queen too. Managing partner Tim Freer said it’s a reality they’re forced to face.
"We’re hoping to compensate with just sales," Freer said. "We’re already razor-thin margins in the restaurant business already and you just gotta shave it a little bit more.”
As several industries continue to see staffing shortages, both El Puro and Cajun Queen said they’re staffed enough for the Queen’s Feast but could use more employees.
Despite the hurdles these small businesses are facing, their goals are high for the week ahead.
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"We are expecting the busiest week of the year, it always is,” Freer said.
Perez said she and her team are very excited and ready to meet new guests.
Restaurant Week runs from July 22 to July 31 and reservations are highly encouraged. Many restaurants, including El Puro and Cajun Queen, allow guests to make reservations online. Restaurants are offering special menus, typically for a multiple-course meal, with a fixed price of $30 to $45.
A complete list of participating restaurants and what neighborhood they're in can be found on the Charlotte Restaurant Week website.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.