08/10/2026
Good morning!! I wanted to share a perspective really quick that I haven’t seen talked about much.
The Elk fire is definitely making a negative impact on businesses, we are all experiencing lower than usual numbers while our property taxes and daily living expenses rise. It’s not an easy place to be.
However, I want to take a minute and address our staff. And while I am sure all the servers in LC are experiencing this, I can speak on behalf of our crew.
Our staff consists of local and a couple J1 employees. They range in age from 14-40’s. They have families, school debt, housing expenses and a multitude of other demands on their finances. These teenagers we have working have dreams, buying cars, college in other states…shifting from teens at home to adult life on their own. Many of the J1’s we have had over the years are here to make money to send home to their families facing the challenges of their own country.
The weight of down business doesn’t just affect the business owner, it affects the staff as well. So as you are deciding where you want to eat, I want to encourage you to also consider the staff who are there to serve you. Talk to them! Ask questions about their life and how the fire is affecting their life too.
There are so many stories in the lives of people you come into contact with, it’s worth pausing for. And of course, your generosity will go far in the morale of these people.
So if you’re looking for ways that you can support local, remember that it’s not just the business itself, it’s the people who show up and serve you as well!
XO- Katie
