Restaurant Industry Has Lost Two-Thirds of Workforce

From beloved corner diners, to favorite independent restaurants to well-known chains, the entire restaurant industry has lost two-thirds of its workforce, more than eight million employees, as a result of COVID-19 closures, according to a new national survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association and included in a new industry recovery plan sent to Congress today.  

The Association called on Congress to enact a new "Blueprint for Recovery" to provide targeted relief for the second largest private sector employer, an industry that is larger than airlines, railroads, ground transportation and spectator sports combined, and that has in the past been one of the slowest to bounce back from downturns.

Its survey reported that more than 60 percent of restaurant owners say that existing federal relief programs—including the CARES Act—will not enable them to keep their employees on payroll during the downturn. The Association's survey of 6,500 restaurants nationwide, noted that restaurants lost $30 billion in March, were on track to lose $50 billion in April, as well as a COVID-19-related loss of more than $240 billion nationwide by the end of the year.

"The restaurant industry has been the hardest hit by the coronavirus mandates—suffering more sales and job losses than any other industry in the country," Executive Vice President of Public Affairs Sean Kennedy wrote to bipartisan congressional leaders.

"On March 18, we wrote you warning of a bleak outlook for the restaurant industry…as the pandemic was unfolding.  One month later, we have a clearer picture of the severe challenges that lie ahead, and ask for a focused solution on behalf of an industry that is a vital part of every community," he added.

"Each of you has a favorite restaurant in your home state—one that exemplifies your culture, your cuisine, and your community.  The restaurant industry epitomizes the American dream, but it is uniquely vulnerable to both the current circumstances and the future uncertainty of dining in an era of social distancing," Kennedy concluded.

Click here to read the association's Blueprint for Recovery and click here to read a copy of its letter.

About the National Restaurant Association
Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises 1 million restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of 15.6 million employees. We represent the industry in Washington, D.C., and advocate on its behalf. We sponsor the industry's largest trade show (National Restaurant Association Show); leading food safety training and certification program (ServSafe); unique career-building high school program (the NRAEF's ProStart). For more information, visit Restaurant.org and find us on Twitter @WeRRestaurants, Facebook and YouTube.

SOURCE: National Restaurant Association