First Watch Bets on Data and Discipline
A journal of how First Watch blends data-guided engagement and price discipline to sustain visits amid inflation, while expanding through franchising.
Apr 27, 2026
A journal of how First Watch blends data-guided engagement and price discipline to sustain visits amid inflation, while expanding through franchising.
Apr 27, 2026
Photo by Hybrid Storytellers on Unsplash
Chipotle leans on operations and automation to lift margins and scale to 7,000 restaurants, with Chipotlane and expo upgrades leading the charge.
Apr 27, 2026
Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash
Inflation narrows the gap between grocery and restaurant prices, nudging households toward home-prep and value-driven menus.
Apr 27, 2026
Photo by Deepak Surya on Unsplash
Zaxby’s consolidates loyalty and e-commerce under a Chief Digital Officer to deepen guest relationships and accelerate omnichannel growth.
Apr 27, 2026
Photo by Fatma Gallery on Unsplash
A refined look at how daily industry briefs distill leadership moves, partnerships, and chef-led concepts shaping modern foodservice.
Apr 27, 2026
A look at how FSTEC 2024 reveals a shift toward hybrid vendor and in-house tech, real-time orchestration, and autonomous delivery shaping the future of hospitality.
Apr 27, 2026
Chipotle tests robotic makelines and avocado cobots to boost throughput while preserving safety and brand standards.
Apr 27, 2026
Cracker Barrel faces an activist proxy contest as it advances a multi-year transformation, defending its board and plan against Sardar Biglari's slate.
Apr 27, 2026
Taco Bell scales its proprietary Voice AI across U.S. drive-thrus, aiming for faster service, better accuracy, and a warmer guest experience.
Apr 26, 2026
Photo by Jafetbyrne Photos on Unsplash
Nostalgia-driven promotions, digital ordering, and flavor experiments reshape growth strategies for fast-casual brands in 2026.
Apr 26, 2026
Explore the factors behind the significant increase in employment in the restaurant and bars sector, implications of the latest jobs report, and disparities across different segments and states.
Photo by Aleksi Partanen on Unsplash
Photo by Aleksi Partanen on Unsplash
The recent jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed an unexpected surge in employment, with approximately 254,000 new positions added in September. A key driver behind this remarkable growth was the restaurant and bars sector, which saw a staggering increase of 69,400 jobs on a seasonally-adjusted basis. This spike is a significant leap compared to the average monthly gain of 14,000 jobs in the sector over the previous 12 months.
Historically, the months of September, October, and November have been peak hiring periods for the foodservice industry, primarily due to the return to school of high school and college workers, leading to attrition in the sector. September's expansion marked the most substantial monthly increase in the industry in over two years, indicating a robust recovery and growth trajectory.
Photo by Aleksi Partanen on Unsplash
In the third quarter, eating and drinking places added a net total of 136,800 jobs, representing the most significant quarterly employment growth since Q3 of 2022. This surge followed a period of high labor shortages and contrasts sharply with the meager 8,000 positions added in the second quarter. The restaurant sector currently stands approximately 1.5% (179,000 jobs) above its employment peak in February 2020.
Despite the overall positive trend in employment growth, disparities persist among various segments within the restaurant industry. Full-service establishments continue to face challenges in their recovery, with employment levels still 4% below pre-pandemic levels as of August. In contrast, snack and non-alcoholic beverage concepts have shown significant resilience, with employment levels up by 17% compared to pre-pandemic numbers.
Photo by Aleksi Partanen on Unsplash
The uneven distribution of employment recovery is also evident across states. While 36 states have surpassed pre-pandemic employment levels as of August, some states, including Maryland and Louisiana, remain below, with employment down by 7%. States like South Dakota, Montana, Nevada, and Utah have demonstrated the most robust recoveries, with employment levels exceeding pre-pandemic figures by double-digit percentages.