Restaurants: Gateway to a career path

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s new research Who Works in the U.S. Restaurant Industry is the first report of its kind in decades. Detailing the opinions of nearly 5,100 Americans who currently work or formerly worked in the industry, as well as those who own or operate restaurants, the study offers compelling insight into the sense of pride, optimism and opportunity among the restaurant workforce.

A majority of restaurant employees said the industry provides good long-term career opportunities. Among those surveyed in Who Works in the U.S. Restaurant Industry, individuals in almost every occupation and age group surveyed felt the restaurant industry affords them career advancement potential. Of those not in their first restaurant job, a solid majority said they have advanced to higher-paying jobs.

One in three Americans got their first job in the restaurant industry, and many take that opportunity to build life long careers. Seven out of 10 restaurant employees said they would likely continue working in the industry until they retire. In fact, the median industry tenure of employees in restaurant manager and business operations positions was 20 years, and for those over 55, the median was more than 30 years.

Who Works in the U.S. Restaurant Industry is the most extensive research of the restaurant sector workforce in decades. Read the full report here.