Restaurant and Food Service Managers

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), slower than average employment growth is expected for this profession through 2029. "More dining establishments are expected to rely on chefs and head cooks instead of hiring additional food service managers, which should limit employment growth in this occupation," the DOL explains. Many job openings will arise from the need to replace managers retiring from the workforce.

Nevertheless, population growth should increase demand for full-service restaurants and, in turn, a need for managers to oversee them. As the elderly population grows, managers will be needed to staff dining rooms located in hospitals and nursing homes. Opportunities will also be good for managers in special food services such as schools, health care facilities, hotels, and other businesses that contract out their food service needs (especially nursing and residential care facilities). The demand for quick food is expected to grow, creating more jobs for food service managers in convenience and grocery stores, and in retail and recreation industries. Those with bachelor's or associate’s degrees in restaurant, hospitality, or institutional food service management will have the strongest employment opportunities.

Economic downswings have a great effect on eating and drinking establishments. During a recession, people have less money to spend on luxuries such as dining out, thus hurting the restaurant business. However, greater numbers of working parents and their families are finding it convenient to eat out or purchase carryout food from restaurants. In early 2020, the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak had a significant impact on restaurants. Because of public health restrictions, many restaurants were forced to transition from full-service dining to pick-up or delivery only. Some restaurants temporarily or permanently ceased operations. While the long-term impact of the pandemic remained to be seen in late 2020, it most likely will impact industry revenues and employment for some time.