LOUISVILLE, Ky. — An industry-wide staffing shortage is impacting a beloved family owned bakery and staple in Louisvillec, which owners said is forcing them to change their operation hours.
What You Need To Know
- Plehn's Bakery in Louisville closing Mondays due to staffing shortage
- The short staffing is taking a big toll on employees
- It's the first time they've had change their hours since the 1980's
- To assist with the current worker shortage, Gov. Andy Beshear is finalizing his plans to rollout a return to work incentive this week
Next time you go to Plehn’s Bakery, located in St. Matthews, you’ll notice the sign on the door says they’re closed on Mondays.
Jennifer Brownlee is the co-owner of Plehn's Bakery and she said applications haven't been coming in like they did in years past.
Until they can hire an adequate amount of employees, the bakery, located on Shelbyville road since 1924, is reducing business hours for the foreseeable future.
It's the first time they've had to change their hours since the 1980s. Brownlee is the fourth generation of her family to run the business.
"When the pandemic hit, we had an immediate 50% drop in business, but we were able to stay open through the whole pandemic," Brownlee said.
The longtime owner said it’s been a successful business for nearly a century now, but the pandemic has caused all sorts of problems with staffing.
"We have the one that everyone is experiencing right now as far as regular help like counter help, we need a dishwasher," Brownlee remarked.
In the meantime, business seems to be booming. But they don’t have the staff to meet the demand.
"It’s not a demand issue that’s for sure. We have the need customer-wise to be open seven days a week," Brownlee said.
Management said they're scrambling to find skilled talent in an industry already struggling with a low labor pool.
"You can only ask so much of the people you have. So we don’t have enough coverage to do the overnight portion seven days a week." Brownlee said.
While there are many scenarios into why someone might not apply for a job, the mother of three alleged unemployment payments are playing a part.
To assist with the current worker shortage, Gov. Andy Beshear is finalizing his plans to roll out a return to work incentive this week.
"I think anything that’s going to get more people back in the workforce, more people looking for jobs, more people applying for jobs is great," Brownlee said.