There’s a rumbling sensation in my stomach. Hunger has set in and I don’t want to cook tonight. I think about going out for a bite yet grabbing dinner in Tahoe has become exceedingly challenging.
A recent trip to a restaurant on a Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. was met with a 45-minute wait. There were plenty of tables empty outside. The hostess explained they didn’t have enough staff to serve us outdoors. Restaurants are busy and most are short staffed. During the pandemic, restaurants took a hit.
“With rocketing food costs, lack of staff and housing issues plaguing our area, Tahoe’s restaurant industry is struggling”
With rocketing food costs (a burger and a glass of wine can cost close to $40), lack of staff and housing issues plaguing our area, Tahoe’s restaurant industry is struggling. In Truckee alone, we’ve seen several establishments close: Marty’s Cafe and Roco Truckee closed during the height of the pandemic (Drink Coffee Do Stuff opened in Marty’s location in 2021). Truckee Station and Morgan’s Lobster Shack recently shut their doors and other restaurants are rumored to be closing. Pianeta is also up for sale.
I love food. I love writing about food. I’ve talked to many friends and acquaintances who either work in the food industry or enjoy dining out. Many say they are disheartened by the lack of cuisine choices and the quality of food being served. It’s expensive to go to dinner. Nothing is more disappointing than paying a lot of money and being served a mediocre meal. Granted, some restaurants are better than others and I have my favorites, yet I have often been underwhelmed of late. Many restaurants have also had to limit their menu items and reduce their hours to survive.
Lackluster menus offer the same fare and lack creativity, making it less attractive to returning customers.
Incline Village, Nev. resident, Christie Lee echoes what many people in the region say about the Tahoe food scene. We talked about some establishments in Incline Village. Most, she says, offer mediocre meals, noting she wants healthier offerings.
“I would just like to enjoy a meal that I feel good after I eat it,” says Lee, who cites Bite Tahoe as one of her favorite restaurant choices in Incline Village.
While most restaurants rely on visitors and second homeowners for the bulk of their revenue, many also need to keep local diners returning to provide a cushion during the slower times.
As a resort area and destination location for people worldwide, Tahoe sees 15 million visitors annually. The area has also seen an influx of new residents moving here. Many from the Bay Area are accustomed to a wide selection of good, quality food and culinary offerings.
Staffing and housing issues plague South Lake Tahoe, as well.
“Restaurants are having a hard time. The staffing scenario is the biggest hurdle,” says Elle Prax, Tahoe Chamber’s communications manager. She also explains that last summer’s fires, the closure of Sierra-at-Tahoe, housing issues and the pandemic have affected the restaurant industry.
“It all comes down to staffing issues. Without that you can’t have innovation,” says Diana LaGattuta, culinary operations manager of Coffeebar, which has two locations in Truckee and one in Olympic Valley. LaGattuta points out that staffing turnovers and training new employees leave little time for menu development.
There are a several newcomers to the Tahoe food scene offering casual dining. Mediterranean Café in Tahoe City is affordable and delicious. High-end deli food can be had at Fuddhism in Truckee. Other recent restaurant openings include Tahoe National Brewing Company in Tahoe City, White Rabbit Ramen & Donut in the Village at Northstar California, Dog & Bear Tavern in Tahoma and Gastromaniac in South Lake Tahoe. Truckee Brewing Company is opening a restaurant at its second location near Raley’s soon.
In the meantime, I ponder, will we be able to solve staffing and housing issues? Will the Tahoe food industry recover from the last two years of shutdown and the rising costs of food? Will we move from the mundane to the “Wow, this is amazing” food?
For the cost of meals, I think we deserve more. What are your thoughts on the Tahoe food scene? Share your comments @TheTahoeWeekly.
