New York City’s reopening plans have provided a lifeline for the city’s pummeled restaurant industry. But the slow return of patrons and now major staffing problems continue to vex operators still battling to make enough for expenses, including rent.

“Many restaurants haven’t been able to pay rent or only paid partial rent over the past 15 months, they have bills they owe to vendors, exhausted some of their personal savings to keep the business afloat,” New York City Hospitality Alliance Executive Director Andrew Rigie said.

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