Contact: Pete Hanson, Vice President of Public Relations, Wisconsin Restaurant Association, 800.589.3211
RESTAURANTS IN WISCONSIN EXPECTED TO HIRE
17,200 SUMMER WORKERS
MADISON – Economists at the National Restaurant Association project that Wisconsin’s restaurant industry will hire 17,200 employees this summer, increasing their workforce by nine (9) percent to handle the busy summer season. Total employment in the industry is expected to rise from 191,600 employees to 208,800 employees.
“Summer employment” is the average number of jobs in the industry throughout the months of June, July and August. It is not a snapshot from any one date. It also does not measure total new hires, which would be a larger number.
“If you need a job for the summer, it’s not too late,” said Pete Hanson, vice president of public affairs for the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. “Go talk to the manager at your favorite local restaurant, because there is a good chance they are going to need some help.”
“Increased summer hiring in the hospitality industry is a good sign for Wisconsin’s economy,” Hanson said. “It reflects optimism on the part of restaurant owners and effective tourism promotion efforts by the state Department of Tourism. I have no doubt that Wisconsin’s tourism promotion efforts will pay off this summer with increased tourist visits and more tourist dollars spent in our state.”
Economists at the national restaurant group use jobs numbers for the “eating and drinking places” industry compiled by the U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics to project the increase from March employment numbers to “summer employment” numbers. The summer employment increase for the industry nationally is projected at 4.9 percent (508,000 jobs).
Link to more detailed summer employment statistics for the restaurant
industry on the NRA website
