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Pandemic

Phoenix-area restaurants close, pivot amid COVID surge

Arizona short about 80,000 hospitality employees

Michael Rusconi was looking forward to a new beginning for his restaurant in 2022 after nearly two years of pandemic- related hardships.

But less than a month in, the new year hasn’t been forgiving to Rusconi’s American Kitchen.

The fine dining establishment at 10637 N. Tatum Blvd.­ in Phoenix is perpetually shortstaffed, particularly in the kitchen, and is only open five nights per week. With the omicron variant leaving his older guests scared to venture out to eat again, Rusconi said he is considering scaling back his hours and doing away with Saturday brunch to fill staffing gaps.

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