Wisconsin Restaurant Association: Coming to restaurants near you: 16,900 summer jobs

MADISON – Economists at the National Restaurant Association project that Wisconsin’s restaurant industry will hire 16,900 employees this summer, increasing their workforce by 8.7 percent to handle the busy summer season. Total employment in the restaurant industry is expected to rise from 194,000 employees to 210,900 employees.

“Summer jobs in the hospitality industry are a rite of passage for so many Americans,” said Pete Hanson, vice president of public affairs for the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. “That local restaurant or resort is where young people can find the opportunity to put that first job on their resume, learn the responsibility and dignity that comes with work, and earn money for college.”

Hanson also said, “Robust summer hiring is a good sign for Wisconsin’s economy. It reflects optimism on the part of restaurant owners following a very good start to their year.”

Economists at the national restaurant group use jobs numbers for the “eating and drinking places” industry compiled by the U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics to project the increase from March employment numbers to “summer employment” numbers. They also project summer jobs numbers for the foodservice industry for the nation. Those numbers are available at the National Restaurant Association website. The summer employment increase for the industry nationally is projected at 4.8 percent.

“Summer employment” is the average number of jobs in the industry throughout the months of June, July and August. It is not a snapshot from any one date. It also does not measure total new hires, which would be a larger number.