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 Checkpoint