WASHINGTON, D. C. — The restaurant and food service industry is expected to contribute nearly $1 trillion to the national economy in 2023, according to the National Restaurant Association.
The organization recently sent a letter to congressional leaders, outlining the state of the industry and emphasizing areas where their support could benefit restaurant owners and workers, the organization said in a press release.
The letter highlighted portions of the latest State of the Restaurant Industry Report, including a finding that the industry’s hiring rate and wage increases are outpacing the overall private sector.
The organization predicts that the industry will add 500,000 jobs this year, bringing the total restaurant workforce to 15.5 million by the end of the year and surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
“Restaurants are the cornerstone of every community, providing jobs, adding to the local tax base and supporting the region,” said Sean Kennedy, executive vice president for public affairs. “Any investment Congress can make to support these small-business owners can have a wide and positive impact right now.”
The organization identified several areas where Congress could make a difference, including:
• Creating opportunities to expand the national workforce.
• Supporting changes that will help lower the cost of doing business.
• Stabilizing and expanding the food supply chain.