Share
Namikaze means waves and wind in Japanese. The northeast Fresno restaurant of that same name battled the pandemic waves but now has the wind at its back.
However, it faces a new challenge as it expands. The restaurant is having a hard time finding qualified people to hire.
“We have to hire a whole new bunch of new staff,” owner James Edwards tells GVWire while standing outside his restaurant at Champlain and Perrin avenues.
Edwards is not alone.
The Sacramento Bee reports that job applicants are rare, and back-of-house employees are particularly hard to find for restaurants there. Among the reasons: some potential hires are reluctant to get vaccinated and studies have linked indoor dining to increased risk of COVID-19.
The Bee also reports that unemployment benefits have been relatively generous, if inefficiently distributed. And, after what’s felt like an endless wave of shutdowns and changing restrictions over the last year, many former industry employees are opting for more stable careers with more consistent pay and hours.
Edwards says he’s feeling that pinch and having to personally pick up a lot of extra shifts himself, plus his management responsibilities.
“It’s myself, my wife, and our good friend Mike Gibb and we’re all wearing multiple hats,” says Edwards. “I’m a server today. Sunday, I’ll be a cook.”

Kitchen Expansion
Edwards says there were points during the pandemic when he wasn’t sure if his business would survive. But takeout orders via DoorDash and Uber helped weather the storm.
“We did what we could do to survive,” explains Edwards.
He said little by little things got better. Then, a new opportunity presented itself.
“The space next door to us became available,” says Edwards. He says the plan is to use that space for part of their kitchen and complete the expansion in early summert.

Now Hiring
Edwards says he’s looking to hire for all positions including more bartenders to help with an expanded bar.
[activecampaign form=25]
RELATED TOPICS:
Ancient DNA Reveals a New Group of People Who Lived Near Land Bridge Between the Americas
22 hours ago
Cabrera, Three Relievers Combine to Lead Marlins to Win Over Giants
1 day ago
Spike in Steel Tariffs Could Imperil Trump Promise of Lower Grocery Prices
2 days ago
Dodgers’ Mookie Betts Out With Broken Toe After Late-Night Bedroom Mishap
2 days ago
California Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Hilton Vows to Repeal Transgender Athlete Law
2 days ago
Trans Athlete Competes in California Championships in Clovis Despite National Controversy
2 days ago
Tim Walz Urges Democrats to Fight Back Harder Against ‘Bully’ Trump
2 days ago
Townsizing? Land Snorkeling? A User’s Guide to the Latest Travel Lingo
21 hours ago
Categories

Townsizing? Land Snorkeling? A User’s Guide to the Latest Travel Lingo

Trump Trade War Has Already Had Huge Effect on California Ports

Cambodian American Chefs Are Finding Success and Raising Their Culture’s Profile. On Their Terms

Ancient DNA Reveals a New Group of People Who Lived Near Land Bridge Between the Americas

Cabrera, Three Relievers Combine to Lead Marlins to Win Over Giants

Spike in Steel Tariffs Could Imperil Trump Promise of Lower Grocery Prices

Dodgers’ Mookie Betts Out With Broken Toe After Late-Night Bedroom Mishap
