U.S. Restaurant Industry to Add 490,000 Jobs This Summer

Restaurants across the United States are expected to add approximately 490,000 jobs during the upcoming summer season.

According to the National Restaurant Association's 27th annual Eating and Drinking Place Summer Employment Forecast, the restaurant industry is set to experience a significant increase in employment opportunities this summer. This surge is attributed to a robust return of teens and young adults to the workforce, with the number of teens working reaching the highest level in over 15 years.

The forecast indicates that the restaurant sector, which is already the largest employer of teenagers in the country, will continue to be a major source of seasonal jobs. Currently, restaurants employ about 1.9 million individuals aged 16-19, which constitutes roughly one-third of all working teens in the U.S. This demographic has seen a notable increase, with over 6.2 million teens actively participating in the labor force as of April.

The increase in summer jobs is particularly significant in the Northeastern states, including Maine, Alaska, Delaware, and Rhode Island, where the largest proportional rises in restaurant employment are expected. This regional trend underscores the seasonal demand for additional workforce to accommodate the influx of tourism and local patronage during the warmer months.

The report also highlights the role of seasonal employment in developing essential workplace skills among young workers, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. These skills are not only vital for their immediate job roles but are also transferable to other industries and future career opportunities.

One example of the impact of seasonal hiring can be seen in the operations of Grotto Pizza, a restaurant chain with 22 locations across Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The company typically expands its staff from 900 employees in the off-season to about 1,600 during the summer months. Grotto Pizza's President, Jeff Gosnear, noted that many of the company's managers began their careers as summer employees, highlighting the long-term career opportunities that seasonal jobs can provide.

This year marks a significant recovery for the restaurant industry, with many establishments like Grotto Pizza expecting to be fully staffed for the first time since the onset of the pandemic. This recovery is supported by an improved labor pool and the enduring appeal of restaurant work during the summer season.

Overall, the restaurant industry remains the second-largest source of seasonal employment in the U.S., following the construction industry. The National Restaurant Association's forecast provides a detailed state-by-state breakdown of expected employment changes, offering valuable insights for industry stakeholders and job seekers alike.

Read the full Summer Employment Forecast, including a state-by-state breakdown, here.