5 years ago
Analysts forecasted a slowdown in job growth in April, especially after March numbers were revised down. But restaurants and the overall U.S. economy proved resilient.
After a sudden, surprising slowdown in February, it's good to see the numbers rebound this month.
Well, this is a surprise. The industry only added 1,600 jobs in February, compared to 36,600 jobs added just one month prior.
Nearly one in ten working Americans held a job in the restaurant industry in January. In the race to hire and retain skilled staff members, restaurants need to be investing in every aspect of employee welfare to consistently attract team members who want to stick around.
While the number of added jobs continues to increase in the industry (which is a great sign of growth), longterm staff retention at restaurants is another obstacle to overcome.
Higher wages are good news for employees and smart employers. And customers need to be realistic about prices, for once.
Higher average checks have offset increased wage demands to an extent this year. But with many experts predicting a slowdown in the economy, restaurants are going to have to find another way.
Recent minimum wage raises voted into effect could be exactly what Wendy's needs to jumpstart sales growth.
