Washington, D.C. – The restaurant industry is projected to add 525,000 jobs for the summer season, according to the National Restaurant Association’s annual Eating and Drinking Place Summer Employment Forecast. This marks the first time on record that demand has reached this level for two consecutive summers.
“Restaurant jobs are particularly valuable because employees can learn a host of skills in a short time that are investments for both their business and everyday life,” said Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “According to our survey, among adults who have worked in the industry, a majority (63%) think working in the industry is extremely or very beneficial for skill development. Additionally, 79% of adults agree working in the restaurant industry is valuable for professional development and that they still use those skills like teamwork, prioritization, communication, adaptability, and attention to detail.”
Teenagers and young adults often return to summer restaurant jobs to hone their skills and save money quickly. Juan Martinez, owner of Martinez Hospitality which operates five Don Juan Mex Grill restaurants in northeast Pennsylvania, frequently receives emails from college students who previously worked for him during high school asking if they can return for summer employment. He sees benefits for both students and his full-time staff.
“The biggest impact our summer employees have is giving our full-time employees time with their families,” Martinez says. “It provides flexibility for them to take a vacation and spend time with their kids who are out of school. At the same time, it helps the college kids who are eager to make money over the summer and want to work as many hours as they can.”
The restaurant industry serves as a significant training ground in the U.S., with 63% of adults having worked in it at some point in their lives. Currently, one in ten people work in foodservice, making it the nation’s second-largest private employer.
The full Summer Employment Forecast includes a state-by-state breakdown of anticipated job additions.
