"Soon Boom"… US Foodservice Industry Increasing Employment with Economic Recovery

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] In the United States, where the economy is showing signs of recovery due to the expansion of COVID-19 vaccinations and strong stimulus measures, restaurant chains are increasing their hiring one after another.

On the 8th (local time), the U.S. economic media CNBC reported that the pancake restaurant chain IHOP plans to hire 10,000 people.

As economic activities resume with the easing of social distancing, fast food specialty stores and restaurant chains like IHOP in the U.S. are increasing employment to accommodate the growing demand.

IHOP stated, "The dining-out industry is expected to boom soon," and "We will create 10,000 full-time and part-time jobs across more than 1,600 locations nationwide."

In fact, as the weather warms and restrictions on the number of restaurant patrons are eased, outdoor activities are increasing, and with more people using disaster relief funds for dining out, the restaurant industry's sales have recently been growing.

The Mexican fast food chain Taco Bell also recently announced plans to hire at least 5,000 additional employees. McDonald's was reported by local media last month to be planning to hire about 5,000 people in Ohio as well.

However, CNBC pointed out, "The pace of hiring is not keeping up with the rapid surge in demand." According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of employees in the restaurant industry in March this year was 1.2 million fewer than in March last year.