Despite challenges, the ever popular “Taste of Los Al” school fundraiser, according to organizer Larry Strawther, is back this year, holding a delicious in-person event Oct. 9 at the Shops at Rossmoor.
“I know it will be a crazy weekend with the Seal Beach Car Show in the morning and then our event in the evening, but it should be a fun and successful day for all of us,” said Strawther.
Dozens of restaurants will be back to serve their best to more than 3,000 patrons who have already purchased tickets to attend this weekend’s show.
“We are already 20 percent ahead of 2019 ticket sales, he said, adding that tickets are being sold by the Los Alamitos High School booster clubs, who are the recipient of the event’s proceeds, he said.
Most interestingly, he said, local restaurants “who are facing so many challenges right now, are still willing to generously participate.”
Local restaurants, initially hurt by the lockdown, are now facing unexpected staffing shortages as hospitality workers are hard to find, he said.
“As I walked around to collect the paperwork,” said Strawther, “I noticed a ‘Help Wanted’ sign in almost every window.”
“Many owners, general managers, and reliable staff are working ten- to twelve-hour shifts,” he said.
Strawther said few other businesses have had to endure as many arbitrary, inconsistent rules as restaurants during the past 18 months and that everyone involved are grateful the local dining establishments are working so hard to remain a part of this legendary fundraising event.
The “Taste of Los Al” community fundraiser begins at 6 p.m. and will remain deliciously open until 10 p.m., he added.