Celebrating the Last 250 Years: How Restaurants Have Shaped America's Workforce

The Role of Restaurants in America's Workforce

The National Restaurant Association, a pivotal entity in the restaurant world, recently celebrated a significant milestone: the 250th anniversary of restaurants' contributions to America's workforce. This celebration took place on May 18, 2026, at the National Restaurant Association Show held in Chicago, where industry leaders gathered to recognize the invaluable role restaurants play in fostering future leaders.

Michelle Korsmo, the President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, delivered a keynote address entitled "America's Leaders Are Made in Restaurants," highlighting how the restaurant industry is not just about food—it's fundamentally about connection, culture, and community. Korsmo emphasized that the restaurant environment is uniquely positioned to cultivate leadership skills that are essential for success in any field. "These skills aren't gained by sitting in a corner office or through earning a particular degree," she stated, underscoring the practical experiences that come from working in restaurants—long shifts, quick decision-making, and the diverse dynamics of teamwork.

According to Korsmo, the restaurant industry stands as the second-largest private sector employer, responsible for providing jobs to nearly 10% of the U.S. workforce. Notably, many adults today can trace their first job back to this industry, which has long served as a gateway to career development. The restaurant sector has proven particularly inclusive, employing more female and minority managers than any other sector, reflecting the diverse tapestry of the communities it serves. Korsmo remarked, "These leaders reflect the communities they serve and the opportunities they create for everyone who works there."

The significance of the restaurant industry extends beyond just employment; it cultivates a culture of upward mobility. With over 20,000 career paths available across more than 70 professions, the restaurant sector offers accessible entry points into the workforce along with clear advancement trajectories. This allows individuals from all backgrounds to not only find jobs but to build fulfilling careers and hone leadership skills.

As they plan for the future, the National Restaurant Association is focusing on initiatives that are intended to strengthen the leadership pipeline within the industry. This includes investing in manager development programs, expanding training opportunities, and promoting essential skills that incorporate both digital fluency and a human-centered approach. The association encourages restaurant operators and employees to prioritize leadership development actively. Korsmo insists that by doing so, the restaurant industry will continue to elevate its legacy as a foundational element of American workforce development.

The National Restaurant Association’s commitment to nurturing leaders from within the ranks is aimed at ensuring the industry can impact workforce development for generations to come. As the restaurant landscape continues to evolve, the lessons learned and skills acquired in this environment will remain crucial to building effective leaders. To read more about Korsmo’s speech and the association’s initiatives, visit the official National Restaurant Association website.

Background on the National Restaurant Association

Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association serves as the foremost advocate for the restaurant industry's interests, representing over 1 million foodservice operations and employing around 15.7 million individuals. Its mission encompasses a blend of advocacy, education, and a commitment to food safety, along with hosting the industry's largest trade fairs and programs aimed at developing future talent, such as ServSafe and ProStart.