June numbers exceeded expectations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the US economy added 147,000 jobs in June 2025, surpassing the 110,000-140,000 jobs goal. This means that the American unemployment rate has remained steady at 4.1%, after 139,000 jobs were added in May.
The restaurant industry continues to contribute significantly to this growth. More than 30,000 of May’s 139,000 jobs were created at eating and drinking establishments, according to Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN). Overall, the restaurant sector accounts for 12.4 million jobs.
There is good news ahead as well, according to the NRN article. “The National Restaurant Association predicts that about 490,000 jobs will be added to the industry’s payroll this summer, which would be an uptick from last season’s 459,000 positions,” writes Alicia Kelso, adding, “Despite slowing employment trends, the recent rebound in job growth has pushed the industry’s workforce to a record high, according to the National Restaurant Association.”
Tariffs and policy changes do have restaurants on high alert, meaning this is the second year that restaurants are expected to keep low on seasonal jobs. According to Kelso’s article, that number will settle below 500,000 while restauranteurs remain watchful of consumer spending.
Economic growth is still being impacted by Covid-19, especially for those states that had slower employment recovery, such as West Virginia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Vermont, and New Mexico. Experts are still comparing growth rates to pre-pandemic numbers; not all establishments are yet faring better. “Coffee and snack segments [are] outpacing pre-pandemic readings by 21%. Quick-service and fast-casual restaurants are 2.6% above pre-pandemic levels,” Kelso writes. However, “full-service restaurant employment levels remain 237,000 jobs (or 4.2%) below pre-pandemic readings.”
Professionals are hopeful that increased employment bodes well for consumer spending, and a continued increase in post-pandemic recovery. ““More people working usually means more people spending,” said Joe Hannon, Restaurant365 general manager of inventory and purchasing.“But there’s a flip side: a strong job market can make hiring harder and wage pressure tougher to manage. For operators, it’s all about balance.”
While battling against a nationwide pandemic hangover from more than five years ago and other economic turmoil has impacted the restaurant industry long-term, National Restaurant Consultants principal and owner Richard Weil agrees that owner-operators can remain focused and balanced to achieve growth in 2025. “Part of the success formula: operators staying positive. Guests are still seeking a positive experience, and that starts with setting the tone at the top, and providing that from the parking lot, in. From QSR to fine dining, putting a smile on the guest experience will continue to go a long way, even during these challenging times.”