And it’s not just tariffs. The immigration crackdown and hardened borders are also hitting the workforce and visitor traffic.

Undocumented workers form a key part of the economy in a number of industries.

From massive burgers to turkey legs, chocolate-covered strawberries and a half a pineapple stuffed with fried shrimp and Fruity Pebbles.

“We tend to be full until we’re well through the Balloon Fiesta,” says Steve Hiatt, who with his wife, Kathy, owns Bottger Mansion.

The restaurant business has been struggling, but an innovative multicuisine operation called Wonder is capitalizing on efficiencies.

The post-COVID rebound for restaurants and other hospitality businesses has created opportunities for younger and older workers.

Hospitality businesses say they want working visas for migrants to be fast-tracked as they struggle to fill job vacancies.

Hotels increased prices per room in 2023. But occupancy was still below pre-pandemic levels.

Employment in the field is slowly growing, but some companies are highlighting their role in the community to attract workers.

“We have all these extra fees that we really didn’t have before,” says events specialist Irene Tynedale. But prices will still fluctuate.