WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — While Warner Robins celebrates record employment numbers, some small businesses still struggle to attract workers in an increasingly competitive market.
The city's unemployment rate dropped to 3.0% in September, with more than 86,000 residents now employed - an all-time high, according to the Georgia Department of Labor. The area added 2,100 jobs over the past year, bringing the total to 83,800.
However, for establishments like Mrs. Betty's Fried Chicken, the strong job market presents unique challenges.
"It's a good thing for the city of Warner Robins, more people are working now," said Clifford Brazziel, general manager of Mrs. Betty's Fried Chicken. "But it sometimes gets overlooked by the smaller businesses like ourselves."
The restaurant, which reopened in March 2024, has struggled to maintain staffing levels despite using multiple recruitment channels.
"We have many forms of media, like commercials, ads on Facebook. We have a commercial on the radio," Brazziel said. "People just don't respond or they're not looking for this kind of environment."
Rising costs have created additional pressures for both the business and its customers. The restaurant has had to increase prices to cope with higher supply costs, while customers have adjusted their spending habits.
"Cost of living just skyrocketed since these last few years after COVID," Brazziel said. "Everything just kind of went a little haywire."
The broader economic picture in Warner Robins remains strong. The labor force increased by 886 workers in September, reaching an all-time high of 89,538. Initial unemployment claims decreased by 101 compared to August.
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson praised the statewide trend of falling unemployment rates, noting that more residents are finding work and contributing to local economies.
For small businesses like Mrs. Betty's, the challenge now is attracting workers in a market where larger employers may offer more competitive packages. Despite these obstacles, Brazziel remains hopeful, noting that employees who do join the team tend to stay.
"The ones who do come in, they stick around," he said. "They need the job, we need them."