BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – More than a dozen restaurants under the Pihakis Restaurant Group have closed in the past three weeks, leaving many workers without jobs.
Local restaurants and businesses are stepping in to help those impacted by the closures. A few popular spots remain open, some under new names or new leadership.
The Pihakis Restaurant Group has closed over a dozen restaurants since April 12. Liens and lawsuits against the company total nearly $13 million. Workers across the region are now without jobs following the sudden and unexpected collapse.
Local restaurants offer support
Other local restaurant owners said they know firsthand what pressures businesses face in the industry.
“I think it’s indicative of some of the broader economic things that are going on with the economy that a lot of people don’t talk about… we’re seeing people changing as far as the amount of people that actually come out and eat,” said Charles Lewis, owner of Toasted Yolk Café Birmingham.
Toasted Yolk Cafe opened in Birmingham just under a year ago. Lewis said despite the challenging climate, their business is growing and he wants to give displaced workers a place to land.
“We’d love to provide folks an opportunity that may have been caught up in some of the other restaurant closures… we want to grow together and help serve the broader community,” Lewis said.
The restaurant is hiring for multiple positions, including servers, hosts, line cooks, prep cooks and dishwashers. The restaurant is located at 231 20th Street South, Birmingham. Applicants can apply in person, online at tycbirmingham@gmail.com or by calling 205-202-4400.
Nonprofit connects workers with jobs
Grace Klein, a Birmingham-area nonprofit, is working to connect displaced workers with new job opportunities.
Several of the closed restaurants had previously donated to Grace Klein, and now the organization wants to give back.
“We just want to make sure that they don’t feel overwhelmed by the situation that they’re obviously surprised by,” said Liz Harrison with Grace Klein.
Harrison said employees can email their resumes to Grace Klein, and the organization will connect them with businesses that are actively hiring.
“It feels nice knowing that there are people willing to help because so many people just lost their jobs,” said Christian Moorehouse, a former Pihakis Restaurant Group server.
Displaced workers can email resumes to info@gracekleincommunity.com.
Some restaurants still open
Some Pihakis restaurants are finding their own path forward. Luca Lagotto in Homewood has reopened under a new name, Salice, and Little Donkey remains open. Magnolia Point in Birmingham also said they are here to stay and operating as normal.
The Pihakis Restaurant Group has not yet responded to a request for comment.
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