After 30 Years, Loved Rockland Restaurant to Close Due to Labor Shortage

They need a miracle to stay open.

That miracle needs to land on Cafe Miranda, a must-go-to in Rockland. It's fun and funky with the decor of pink flamingos and Elvis. According to the Bangor Daily News, after almost 30 years, their last day will be Saturday, June 25.

The miracle they need is two qualified cooks who can start immediately. That IS a miracle in this market and not likely to happen.

The owner, Kerry Altiero, is really sad about closing. It's the last thing he wants to do. Over the past 30 years, he's been open seven days a week. He would only close three days a year. But now he only has the staff to stay open three days a week, Friday through Sunday. He's busy on those days - but it simply isn't enough to sustain his business and pay all the bills.

After Covid, the labor shortage problem, especially in the restaurant business has been devastating. It's a hard to solve problem because it's attached to Maine's aging workforce, the housing crisis, the lack of childcare for workers, student debt, and lack of a sustainable career path.

You can tell that Chef Altiero truly is heartbroken with what he said in his Facebook post,

What we have is a great crew, a great place, the best customers in the best town, but what we don’t have is enough employees to be open more than three days a week. The future is in process. Stay tuned. Visit us over the next two weeks. We want to hear from you. We know that Miranda means a lot to this community. You have meant the world to us.

Miracles are far and few these days. I truly hope one lands on the front steps of Cafe Miranda before June 25.