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.
