It’s not complaints about the food that are plaguing Jerry’s Cafeteria. The coconut cream pie, twice-baked potatoes, fried chicken, Jell-O salad and breaded pork shops are popular items at the Granite City dining spot.

The problem is the struggling steel industry. When the Granity City Works was operating at a steady pace, Jerry’s had a regular crowd from the 2,000 mill workers and another 4,000 people who worked in jobs related to the mill.

When the mill was idled, business dwindled for Jerry’s as well, a move played out for many small businesses that depend on major industry for their livelihood.

Though the steel mill is being readied to resume production, Jerry Roderick, owner of his namesake cafeteria, frets about how long he can hold on till he may get a new stream of customers.