3.18.2025
As the restaurant and foodservice industry prepares to add 150,000 jobs per year between 2025 and 2035, operators are turning to AI-driven hiring and workforce management tools to streamline recruitment and retention. With 17.4 million employees projected to be working in the industry by 2035, hiring remains one of the most time-consuming aspects of restaurant management. Whether it’s independent operators hiring a few employees or large chains managing thousands of recruits, finding and retaining talent has become a top priority.
The new Workforce Technology Research Insights from the National Restaurant Association, highlights how technology is transforming restaurant recruitment, helping operators streamline hiring and retention efforts while freeing managers to focus on developing teams, optimizing operations, and delivering excellent customer experience.
AI-powered applicant tracking systems (ATS) and chatbots are helping restaurants manage applications, automate interviews, and fill open roles faster. Many are also implementing mobile-friendly applications, text-to-apply options, and QR code job postings, making the process more accessible. According to report, 37 percent of restaurant operators plan to adopt automated labor management systems, ensuring they can quickly onboard employees before competitors do.
While hiring is becoming more efficient, retaining employees remains a challenge, especially in management and back-of-house roles. The 2025 State of the Restaurant Industry Report found that 54 percent of operators struggle to fill these positions. To address this, restaurants are investing in structured onboarding, AI-driven training modules, and real-time feedback tools to create more engaging workplaces.
According to report, the first 30 to 90 days of employment are crucial for retention, and digital workforce platforms offering self-service scheduling, shift management, and employee engagement analytics help track job satisfaction and prevent turnover.
By reducing hiring times and improving retention, AI-driven workforce solutions free managers to focus on operations, customer service, and food quality rather than constant recruitment. Employees benefit from better scheduling flexibility, digital engagement tools, and clearer career paths, leading to higher productivity and morale.
According to Dr. Chad Moutray, Vice President of Research and Knowledge for the National Restaurant Association, 80 percent of restaurant operators believe technology gives them a competitive edge. “At the end of the day, it is important for restaurant managers to focus more time on running their restaurants, and increased automation can help free them up to do so.”
As 37 percent of operators invest in automation and 28 percent adopt AI-driven workforce solutions, technology is shaping the future of restaurant workforce management. Those who embrace these tools will be better positioned to attract talent, retain employees, and build stronger, more efficient teams in a rapidly evolving labor market.
