Local restaurant workers impacted by closure of Wando Bridge

Charleston, S.C. (WCIV) — Charleston's robust restaurant scene relies heavily on workers who live in different parts of the Lowcountry. Anytime there's a road disruption, managers feel the pinch from employees who can't get to work. The Wando Bridge closure is no exception.

As the manager for John King Grill and Bar in downtown Charleston, Rachel Orvig makes the daily drive to the corner of King and John Streets.

"I live on the other end of Mt. Pleasant in Park West. So past 41," she said.

Orvig said her usual 30-minute drive to work is now extended because of the Wando Bridge disruption.

"Takes probably another two hours out of your day just sitting in the car. Commuting time. Yeah, an extra two hours of commuting time per day," she said.

"Right now, the main thing is we're just trying to make sure everyone is safe," said Sam Clark, the assistant business manager for the restaurants Juanita Greenberg’s and Andolini’s Pizza in Mt. Pleasant.

He explained how many of the company's 100 employees live east of the cooper. And they're calling bosses to remind them traffic tie ups are delaying them.

"We're letting them know they have time. Don't try to rush. Take the time getting in. You may have to find alternates. So if you find the alternates, but just keep us informed on where you are and what you're trying to do. That's all," he said.

It's one of the ways the culinary scene is handling a major transportation inconvenience for people like Rachel Orvig.

"Everybody just needs to be kind and patient. And we're all in this together," she said.

Officials with the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association tell ABC News 4 they're meeting with tri-county food and beverage managers to find out how they're affected and what can be done to help their employees.

Approximately 40,000 people in the Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties work in the food and beverage industry.