<div class="tldr">On June 16, brunch lines on Avenue C stretched over 80 yards as restaurants managed with fewer staff. East Village operators report persistent hiring challenges this summer.</div>\n\n<ul class="key-facts">\n <li>Wait times for brunch reached 45 minutes at three locations on June 16.</li>\n <li>At least four Avenue C restaurants confirmed staff shortages this month.</li>\n <li>Managers report a 30% decrease in seasonal job applications since May.</li>\n</ul>\n\nAvenue C in the East Village has seen increased congestion outside restaurants during weekend brunch, with several businesses experiencing shortages in front- and back-of-house staff. According to staff at Café Mogador and Poco, both on Avenue C, waitlists have nearly doubled compared to previous summers. Management at Root & Bone said that even with reduced menus, delays are unavoidable given current staffing levels.\n\nOwners attribute the staffing shortage to fewer applicants for seasonal roles as well as increased competition from other hospitality employers. Local restaurant owner Maria Torres noted that job postings for servers and line cooks have gone unfilled for weeks, despite offering sign-on incentives. The New York City Hospitality Alliance confirmed that East Village restaurants are not alone in reporting such trends this year.\n\nCustomers have responded with patience, but some have sought alternatives. Longtime patron Ethan Chu said he waited over 40 minutes for a table and observed many others leaving due to the line. Operators on Avenue C are rotating shifts to prevent burnout among existing workers, but some expect wait times to persist until late summer.\n\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>\n<h2>Which restaurants on Avenue C have been most affected by staff shortages?</h2>\n<p>Café Mogador, Poco, and Root & Bone are among the restaurants reporting significant staff shortages. These businesses have experienced increased wait times and limited menu offerings due to fewer employees working brunch shifts this summer.</p>\n<h2>How long are current brunch wait times on Avenue C?</h2>\n<p>According to staff reports from June 16, wait times on Avenue C averaged 35 to 45 minutes for brunch seating at several locations. Some customers have left before being seated due to the long lines.</p>\n<h2>What reasons are given for the staffing shortages at these restaurants?</h2>\n<p>Restaurant managers cite a decrease in job applications for seasonal roles. Factors include increased competition from other businesses and fewer international student workers. Owners report job postings remain open longer, and some positions go unfilled for weeks.</p>