Finding staff as a small business owner

I own a deli in Park City. When I require staff I usually place an ad online. I get many people responding to my ad. Their responses are that they would love to work for me. I go through all the emails I receive deciding who I think may be suitable for the position. I then email those saying I would like to interview them. They all come back to me sounding pleased I have contacted them and we set up a time for an interview.

I did this yesterday and set up 4 interviews this morning. Only 1 person showed up for their interview. This is not the first time this has happened.

It leaves me very perplexed. We are still in a recession and I would have thought people need employment. Why do they respond to the advert in the first place? Why when I say I am interested in them, they email back asking for directions and agreeing on an interview time? Why then do they not arrive for the interview?

I am very interested to know whether other business owners have experienced the same issues and if so, how they have dealt with it.

One thing comes to mind, maybe they are claiming unemployment and have to "apply" for a certain number of jobs per week. By responding to an online advert this suits that requirement. I hope this is not the case.

I own and run a small deli. I enjoy it. The only downside is staffing issues. Help in understanding them is what I am looking for.

Thank you.