Can they take your order? Bend fast-food workers hustle amid hiring hurdles, some closures

'It's almost like you're an octopus while you're working,' scrambling manager says

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Bend's Third Street has for decades featured plenty of fast-food restaurants -- and now, lots of "Now Hiring" signs emblazoned upon them. That, and even some temporary closures, are clear signs that Central Oregon is not immune to the hiring challenges facing those quick dining spots and other businesses around the country.

Taco Bell on Third Street has a sign on the door that says it's temporarily closed, but does not say why. Jack in the Box also appears to be closed. It has a sign on the door that says the drive-thru is open, but visitors found cones blocking access.

McDonald's has two locations on Third Street. The northside location is booming with business, as drive-thru lines are backed up six to seven cars deep.

Fast-food restaurants differ from typical, dine-in restaurants, since they're expected to get the product out in a matter of minutes. That presents challenges, if only a few employees are working -- managing drive-thru, pickup and online orders.

"It's almost like you're an octopus while you're working," said Nikki Johnson, area manager for both Dairy Queens in Bend.

She's had to work several positions, along with her own, just to keep the businesses running. Johnson wakes up early and fulfills her manager duties for both locations, then works the grill and keeps the other team members on track.

"I come in early, just to do extra work before the day starts, and get it done. Because once the day starts, if it's not done -- it doesn't happen." Johnson told NewsChannel 21 on Friday.

She says that they are five workers short for every shift at each location, so she understands the need for other businesses making big changes and adapting. Johnson has worked for Dairy Queen since 1994 and says the hiring issue that's happening right now has been especially difficult.

"Now, it's been really tough. Never before have we had to sit down and say, 'Wait -- do we adjust our hours? Do we close early and open late? Do we close a day?' You know -- we're sitting there, trying to formulate it."

Damon Runberg, Central Oregon regional economist for the Oregon Employment Department, says several factors are contributing to the businesses with tight staff, some even temporarily closing. They include health and safety concerns, competitive pay by other industries, workers on temporary leave, struggles with child care and schooling, a "yo-yo" effect from changing county risk levels -- and unemployment benefits from the government.

While many businesses are hiring, Runberg told NewsChannel 21 Friday that Bend's economy is almost fully recovered to what it was pre-pandemic -- though not without new challenges.

Revenue may still be coming in, workers are not. Johnson says Dairy Queen, like other fast-food restaurants, is hiring for all positions.