UIPOS conducted an analysis of employment reports from various industries in the United States, as released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and found that in September, the US economy added approximately 254,000 jobs, with the national unemployment rate dropping to 4.1%. Both indicators were well beyond expectations. Notably, the catering industry was the primary driver of this significant increase, with one in every four new jobs in September originating from the restaurant or bar sector.
In September, the catering industry alone added 69,400 jobs, which is five times the average over the past ten months. In the preceding 12 months, the average monthly increase had only been 14,000 jobs. Within the growth, California and New York stood out as the regions with the most significant rise in recruitment in the US catering industry, with hiring numbers increasing by 15% and 13%, respectively. Recruitment growth in southern states such as Texas and Florida was relatively slower but still maintained steady growth rates of 5% to 7%.
Following a detailed investigation into the US catering market, UIPOS identified the key factors driving this surge in catering jobs as follows:
From September to November, high school and university students in the US typically return to their studies, leading to a reduction in part-time staff in the catering industry and, consequently, a sharp rise in recruitment needs.
As the year-end holidays approach, more and more catering businesses are recruiting staff in advance to ensure they are well-trained in operational procedures, enabling the smooth functioning of restaurants during peak periods.
The US economy continues to develop positively, with consumers increasingly dining out and socialising, driving the need for more employees in the catering sector to meet customer demand for quick and efficient service.
Due to the sustained rise in recruitment demand throughout September, the total number of employees in the catering industry reached 12.5 million, surpassing the 12.3 million recorded in February 2020, prior to the pandemic. The data indicates that the catering industry is experiencing a robust recovery following several years of low employment levels.
With the industry’s recovery in full swing, catering companies are increasingly embracing technology to streamline operations and boost efficiency while responding to their staffing needs. POS hardware, as a crucial tool in the catering industry, plays a vital role in enhancing order processing efficiency, ensuring restaurants can meet customers’ expectations for quick service and smooth operations. For tailored POS hardware solution recommendations, please contact the UIPOS team.