CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Memorial Day is slowly approaching and businesses in the Rockport-Fulton area are preparing for the large crowds.
Some businesses are fully staffed and are looking forward to heavier foot traffic this holiday weekend, while some may experience the difficulty of keeping up with the influx of visitors.
Diane Probst with the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce said making sure establishments are fully staffed is of upmost importance.
"With a big and small community all focused really on the tourism economy we're prepared," Probst said.
Supply chain shortages are still impacting small businesses across the Coastal Bend, along with the issue of making sure establishments have adequate staff.
"As far as the supply chain and the rising costs, we're just basically all dealing with that and having to deal with the struggles in that area," Probst said.
According to Bonnie Carlisle, owner of The Coastal Mercantile, having a solid team can make all the difference in keeping a business afloat.
"We have been very thankful that we've been able to assemble and keep a great team in place," Carlisle said. "But I certainly do feel for those who are finding those challenges."
Even though Carlisle is fully staffed, she is still feeling the impacts of the supply shortage when it comes to merchandise.
"We actually specialize in outdoor furniture and what used to be a couple of weeks turn around now is many weeks out which is frustrating for us because we want to be able to deliver timely for our buyers," Carlisle said.
Craig Griffin owns three businesses in the Fulton area, and said that finding workers to fill positions has put a strain on his business, making it hard for him to operate at full capacity.
"It's gone better than it's been, we're starting to get, you know, a few more employees here and there," Griffin said. "There's some key positions like the kitchen staff is tough, tough, tough."
Despite the challenges, Griffin is positive in his staff's ability to meet the tourism demand for the summer.
"I think we're gonna have a great summer. It's gonna be stressful and hard, but we're gonna get through it. We're going to entertain all our guests and they are going to have a great time," Griffin said.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- 'We pushed each other the entire way': Texas mother, daughter graduating from nursing school together
- Trevino family continues Beach to Bay tradition in honor of longtime team member
- What is Corpus Christi's Drought Contingency Plan?
- Coastal Bend foster children's artwork displayed at Funtrackers
- Man arrested on capital murder charges after two women found dead in Corpus Christi apartment
- Kingsville toddler orders 30+ cheeseburgers while mom isn't looking
- Nueces County criminal backlog: Cases outpacing resources to prosecute
- Corpus Christi's 'superhero' neighborhood getting online recognition
- Here's is everything you need to know to vote early in the May 24 primary runoff election
Want to send us a news tip?
Put your name and contact information below so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
If you do not have a photo/video to submit, just click "OK" to skip that prompt.