In The Face of a Restaurant Apocalypse, Lubbock Chef Speaks Out

Owning a restaurant is difficult. Owning and operating a restaurant in today's economy is extraordinarily difficult.

Within the last month, a lot of restaurants have closed. In the past week alone, three have closed their doors. One restaurant owner and chef, Antonio Pina with Claraboya Scratch Kitchen & Bar speaks out about the difficulties of running a restaurant and how the community can help.

"We have to make sure we are doing our part and make sure we are doing a good job daily," said Pina.

People in Lubbock love going out to eat but you can see from reviews on Google or Facebook they are very opinionated and will speak their minds if they do not like it.

"They don't understand that they are hurting the businesses around us. I think we need to work together more," said Pina.

If you go to a restaurant you love post about it on social media. If you go to a restaurant and something is wrong or you don't like something speak up. The waitresses, chefs, and owners want the option to be able to fix it for you.

"Let us know before you walk out the door because 90% of the businesses will make it right." said Pina. "Give them a chance to at least fix it. The more you come back, the more you say stuff, the better we learn and the fewer mistakes we make"

I know that if I went to a restaurant and something was wrong I would either say something or not say anything at all, especially on social media. I also think it is very important to note don't believe everything you read on social media.

Right now is especially had for restaurants. Anything that starts with a J are restaurant's hardest month. This includes January, June, and July. When the students aren't here it is hard for restaurants as well. That is why we have seen so many closures these last two months.

"That is also when people are on vacation and they are spending their money somewhere else. When they come back in town you won't probably see any money for a week or two but I get it," said Pina.

Pina says he expects more restaurants to close within this month. He does a long drive home after work to see how other restaurants of his caliber are doing.

"I want everyone to succeed. If they are doing well, we are doing well. If they are doing bad, we are doing bad. Sometimes I will question my days, why is it so slow? So I do the drive after work and notice all the other restaurants are the same. If it is just us I know we are doing something wrong," said Pina.

So if that trend is happening, what should a restaurant do?

"We tighten up on what we are doing. I try to blast on social media and invite people who have never been here. I just try to do my part to get people in the door," said Pina.

So do your part and help our Lubbock economy grow and succeed.