Rising costs and cash-strapped consumers are leaving those in the hospitality industry in serious trouble.
It has been closure after closure for restaurants and cafes around the country. But despite many reporting more customers over summer, it looks to be a long cold winter for others.
Restaurateur Al Brown said a lot of people in the industry were hurting and many were just keeping their heads above water. He said it was hard to get ahead.
"Wages have gone up something like 38 percent, and food cost is up at least 20 percent. We're doing it hard out there. A lot of us feel like we're in mud."
"A lot of us feel like we're in mud" - Restaurateur Al Brownduration 2′ :57″from CheckpointChildren are evacuated from school 'during an exam' after threat made via email
State Council stresses work on flood relief, rebuilding
Senior CPC official meets Macao media delegation
Josh Bell homers, Max Meyer fans career
Ben Whishaw lights up the Croisette as he joins his co
Xi extends congratulations to Yunnan University on centenary anniversary
Xi: Accelerate upgrading of industries
Xi presents order to promote military officers to rank of general
Storms damage homes in Oklahoma and Kansas. But in Houston, most power is restored
Rangers' reliever Burke breaks his non
California congressman urges closer consultation with tribes on offshore wind
Chinese vice premier stresses deepening SOE reform