The restaurant industry continues to face unprecedented staffing challenges. 78% of restaurants report being understaffed entering 2026, with an average time-to-fill of 21 days nationally. Turnover rates remain at 75% annually, and the top reason candidates turn down offers is finding another job first.
What's Working: Solutions From High-Performing Operators
Restaurants that respond to applicants within 24 hours are 3x more likely to secure the hire. Operators offering flexible scheduling see 60% higher application rates. Targeted local recruitment yields 5x better quality-to-application ratios than national job boards. The labor shortage isn't going away, but operators adapting to new realities—fast hiring, local focus, verified candidates—are not only surviving, they're thriving and expanding while competitors struggle.