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Summer Job Opportunities in the Restaurant Industry

As summer approaches, the restaurant industry is buzzing with new job prospects, projected to add 490,000 new positions this season. According to the National Restaurant Association's latest report, this influx of jobs is not merely about adding to payrolls; it is about cultivating a workforce equipped with valuable skills that can serve them well into the future.

Many young people, particularly teenagers and college students, are gearing up for their first job or returning to familiar summer employment. A summer job in a restaurant offers a unique setting for these individuals to learn essential life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and maintaining composure under pressure. Michelle Korsmo, the Association’s President & CEO, emphasizes that restaurant roles foster communication, adaptability, and attention to detail, vital attributes in any profession.

The numbers speak volumes: in April 2025, over 6.2 million teens entered the labor market, marking the highest participation rate in more than 15 years. Among these young workers, restaurants remain the top employer category, with 1.9 million teenagers aged 16 to 19 joining restaurant teams. This surge in youthful labor is critical in supporting the seasonal hiring schedule, ensuring restaurants can operate at full capacity over the busy summer months.

Leaders within the industry, like Jeff Gosnear, President of Grotto Pizza, shed light on just how significant these summer hires are to their operations. His company, which has 22 locations across Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, can ramp up from 900 employees to 1,600 during peak summer. “A lot of our managers started as summer employees,” Gosnear commented, sharing that many of their leadership team members have risen from entry-level positions. In fact, one vice president began his journey as a pizza maker at 16 years old and has remained dedicated to the company for nearly four decades.

This summer marks what Gosnear describes as Grotto Pizza’s first fully staffed season since before the pandemic—a notable milestone reflecting a revitalized labor pool and the ongoing appeal of summer restaurant jobs. He notes, “We’re observing a significant return to the industry, it feels like people are realizing the camaraderie and excitement that comes with summer service.”

Geographically, the summer hiring boom is set to be especially potent in the Northeastern states, including Maine, Alaska, Delaware, and Rhode Island. These regions are projected to see the most substantial proportional increases in restaurant employment, solidifying the restaurant industry's status as the second-largest source of seasonal jobs in the nation, only behind the construction sector.

For those eager to learn more about the specifics of the summer job forecast, including a detailed breakdown by state, additional insights can be accessed through the full Summer Employment Forecast.

Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association advocates for the interests of over 1 million restaurant and foodservice outlets, employing about 15.7 million individuals nationwide. They champion workforce development through various initiatives, including the industry's largest trade show and significant food safety certifications. Their website, Restaurant.org, serves as a resource for anyone interested, with active platforms on social media like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube under the handle @WeRRestaurants.