Restaurant sector
the current advocacy profile to meet the evolving needs of the industry . In addition to workforce development , it is also supporting measures to manage the cost of doing business , and ensure supply chain stability .
challenges . “ Restaurants have become a cornerstone for the national economy . You ’ ll find them in every community , and they serve as the nation ’ s second largest private sector employer . Over the past couple of decades , the industry has become a more important player in the national economic infrastructure , and as consumers continue to shift their spending towards restaurants , the overall industry will keep growing .”
Not only is the association keen to see growth within the industry , it is also pushing to see legislative reforms that will help both employees and employers . It was noted during the delivery of the report that the association is tackling policies for workforce development in particular . According to Sean Kennedy , the Executive Vice President of Public Affairs , the organization is changing
Championing the sector
Sean wants to see the Senate implement policies that encourage immigration reform , including the Essential Worker Enhancement Act for the restaurant sector , and protect the tip wage . He shares that each of these measures will open greater opportunities for any worker looking to develop a career in the restaurant sector . Sean adds that in order to grow the food service industry , the National Restaurant Association would like to raise awareness of how the last three years impacted businesses , while also ironing out problems within the supply chain .
For new restaurants looking to achieve success this year , Hudson advises that having a meticulous business plan and distinctive niche is an excellent start . “ This industry is incredibly competitive , so it is important to know the demographics of the area in which business owners are operating . The remigration after large groups of people leave city centers impacts more restaurants than realized . For example , 16 states and Washington DC actually lost population in 2021 . So it ’ s important to be in tune with your local market conditions .”
In summary , as 2023 begins to speed by , Hudson expects that industry sales growth will continue overall . This will be influenced by returning levels of travel and tourism , which , in a typical year brings in about three-in-ten dollars spent in restaurants nationwide . And while visits to restaurants for dinner are still down a little from pre-pandemic levels , in place of going out , more consumers are choosing an evening relaxing on the sofa , with a takeaway from their local restaurant . ■
foodchainmagazine . com 31