Wait staff hard job to fill in Houston area

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Restaurant week is almost here and that means Houston area restaurants will be showcasing their dishes. But, some shops are facing big problems -- a lack of wait staff. They can't find enough people to fill the positions.

"I like being personable with people," said Sorrel employee Greg Walsh.

Greg Walsh has been working in restaurants since he was 16.

"Time consolidation is probably the most key thing, sharp memory, and fire in your step," Walsh said.

With a resume like his, working at some of Houston's finest restaurants, he can pretty much pick the tables he'd like to serve.

"There are so many places opening all the time," said Walsh.

And while that's a good reflection on the Houston economy, it makes it tough for owners like Ray Salti of Sorrel.

"It's getting very competitive," Salti said.

Known for its farm to table fresh entrees and a changing menu every day, Sorrel wants to hire experienced waiters like Greg Walsh to serve it.

"It's hard to recruit people now because when we first opened we had a line out the door. People trying to apply to get a job and now it's totally different," Salti said.

"The need greatly outpaces what we have available right now," said Stewart.

From new concepts to chains, Melissa Stewart with the Greater Houston Restaurant Association says Houston added 12,000 jobs in hospitality and leisure in the last year, the majority in food and drink services.

"The challenge is when we are talking about a sit down, white table cloth restaurant, you need trained help. It's not an untrained job. There's specific skill set," said Stewart.

Salti is able to pull from his other restaurants when needed and while it's a good time to be an experienced server. Despite the many help wanted signs around town, Salti says it's still a great time to be in business.

"I think that's a small price to pay for what's coming to Houston these days," he said.