The restaurant and foodservice industry is projected to add 150,000 jobs annually between 2025 and 2035, reaching a total employment of 17.4 million people. The National Restaurant Association’s new Workforce Technology Research Insights report highlights the role of technology in transforming recruitment processes within the industry.
“More than 80 percent of restaurant operators say that technology gives them a competitive advantage, and we’re seeing that in hiring,” stated Dr. Chad Moutray, vice president of Research and Knowledge for the National Restaurant Association. “By integrating automation and AI-powered tools, restaurants are reducing hiring times, enhancing employee engagement, and fostering a workplace culture that supports long-term retention.”
AI-driven solutions such as applicant tracking systems (ATS), chatbots, and automated scheduling tools are making recruitment faster and more efficient. Mobile-friendly applications and text-to-apply options further streamline the process for job seekers. As a result, 37 percent of restaurant operators plan to adopt automated labor management and recruitment systems.
Despite easier hiring processes, retaining employees remains challenging, especially in management and back-of-house roles. According to the 2025 State of the Restaurant Industry Report, 54 percent of operators find it difficult to fill these positions. To address this issue, many are focusing on structured onboarding programs and real-time feedback tools.
“Technology is playing a fundamental role in reshaping management practices, benefiting both operators and employees,” said Moutray. “At the end of the day, it is important for restaurant managers to focus more time on running their restaurants, and increased automation can help free them up to do so.”
Moutray noted that there is an increasing trend among operators to invest in automation (37 percent) and AI-driven solutions (28 percent), recognizing that a well-supported workforce leads to greater efficiency.
