Restaurant Jobs

The restaurant industry offers full-service restaurants such as dinner houses, family restaurants, fine dining, and grill/buffet type restaurants. Most companies in the industry face stiff competition and low profit margins. Many companies grow by acquisition instead of building new units. Most establishments in the full-service restaurants sector focus on steak, Italian food or seafood.

Restaurant Industry Facts

The U.S. restaurant industry has approximately 480,000 restaurants (First Research, 2011 report)
The combined annual revenue in the U.S. restaurant industry is about $400 billion (First Research, 2011 report)
The largest 50 companies hold approximately 20 percent of the market (First Research, 2011 report)
Approximately 47 percent of establishments in the food services and drinking places sector are limited-service eating places (Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS))
Full-service restaurants account for approximately 39 percent of establishments in the food services and drinking places sector (BLS)

Restaurant Employment - Employer Reviews

Restaurant Industry Employment Background

Many entry-level jobs in the restaurant industry require little or no formal education or previous training. Typically, employers require previous restaurant work experience for managerial positions.

Hosts, hostesses, waiters and waitresses are sometimes promoted to managerial jobs after acquiring years of experience. However, postsecondary training, such as a bachelor's degree, training in culinary arts or training in hospitality management is increasingly required for management positions. People with post-graduate training often begin as assistant managers.

Restaurant Industry Employment Statistics

The annual revenue per worker is less than $50,000 (First Research, 2011 report)
Number of employees in the food services and drinking places sector in 2008: 9,631.9 (in thousands) (BLS)
In 2008, there were 8,789.6 (in thousands) service jobs in the food services and drinking places industry (BLS)
The number of chefs and head cooks in 2008 was 67.8 (in thousands) (BLS)
The number of management, business and financial positions in the food services and drinking places industry in 2008: 233.3 (in thousands), (BLS)
In 2008, the percentage of service jobs in the food services and drinking places industry was 91.3, (BLS)
Number of waiters and waitresses in the food services and drinking places industry in 2008: 2,046.6 (in thousands), (BLS)

Restaurant Employment Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts an 8 percent employment growth in the food services and drinking places industry from 2008 to 2018, slightly less than the 11 percent employment growth rate projected for all industries combined. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects numerous employment opportunities for people with limited job skills, senior citizens, first-time job seekers and people seeking part-time work.

A growing population's increasing preference for eating out contributes to the industry's employment growth. All segments of the industry are expected to create numerous jobs. Skilled cooks and chefs should be in demand. Due to people leaving the industry, a large number of job openings will be available for people entering the industry for the first time.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the greatest number of job openings will be for waiters and waitresses as well as combined food-preparation and serving workers. Graduates of college hospitality programs, especially individuals with good computer skills, should have very good job opportunities at upscale full-service establishments.