Yousef said he spoke to several friends and other business owners who were having the same issue. Yousef said he hopes staffing issues across the country will improve.

“I started working in 89 as a dishwasher. The last two years have been as stressful as the 32 years combined,” Yousef said.

In December 2020, Yousef closed the Court Street Grille at Lake James. He’s run the Court Street Grille in Lincolnton since 2003, and Jan. 1 marked the 10th anniversary of the Hickory location.

Yousef said the experience is not necessary. The salary for servers is $ 2.50 or more, and the salary for cooks and other positions is $ 10 or more per hour. For anyone interested in applying, call the Court Street Grille in Lincolnton at 704-732-3242 or drop by to speak to Osama Yousef, Carrie Yousef, Jeremy Upton or Sara Upton.

Prices at Court Street Grille restaurants have increased since November due to increased supply costs, according to a November 9, 2021 post on the Court Street Grille – Hickory Facebook page.

“Out of necessity during these challenging times, we will be implementing a 15% inflation fee on all tickets. We ask for your patience as we navigate global supply chain issues, rising food costs , labor, freight, and shipping. We hope these things will change and that this charge will only be a temporary fix to allow us to continue to serve you,” the post said.