A new National Restaurant Association report looks at how technology, especially artificial intelligence and automation, is helping operators in recruitment and retention, the industry group said Tuesday.
Between now and 2035, the restaurant industry is projected to add 150,000 jobs a year, bringing total employment to about 17.4 million at the end of the 10 years.
In its survey, the association found about 37% of operators plan to adopt automated labor management, recruitment, and scheduling systems, while 28% will be investing in AI-driven solutions.
“More than 80% of restaurant operators say that technology gives them a competitive advantage, and we’re seeing that in hiring,” Chad Moutray, vice president of research and knowledge for the National Restaurant Association, said in a statement. “By integrating automation and AI-powered tools, restaurants are reducing hiring times, enhancing employee engagement, and fostering a workplace culture that supports long-term retention.”
With about 86% of restaurant candidates applying via mobile devices, often outside of business hours, QR codes, text-to-apply options, and mobile-friendly applications are making hiring easier and more accessible, the association said.
About 54% of operators said they still struggle to fill management and back-of-house positions.
The first 30 to 90 days are critical for retention, and operators are focused on workforce planning via investing in structured onboarding, mentorship programs, and real-time feedback tools like Chipotle Mexican Grill’s “burrito buddy” and Potbelly Corp.’s “Potbelly Pulse.”
The Saxton Group, a McAlister’s Deli and Jaggers franchisee, cut its average hiring time from seven days to three, recognizing that “the faster you connect with applicants, the more likely you are to hire them,” that association noted.
AI-driven technology solutions have revolutionized the hiring process for many operators, making recruitment faster and more cost-effective, the association said. Applicant tracking systems (ATS), chatbots, and automated scheduling tools help manage high application volumes, shorten hiring timelines, and connect employers with top talent more efficiently, it said. Mobile-friendly applications, text-to-apply options, and QR code integrations also make the application process more accessible and convenient for job seekers.
Speed in hiring is now a key competitive advantage, the association said. To streamline the process further, 37% of restaurant operators plan to adopt automated labor management and recruitment systems.
Retention remains a priority, particularly in management and back-of-house roles. The 2025 State of the Restaurant Industry Report found 54% of operators reported difficulty filling these positions, highlighting why workforce planning remains essential for long-term stability.
To improve retention, operators are focused on technology that delivers structured onboarding programs, leadership development, and real-time feedback tools. The first 30 to 90 days are critical for retention, and investing in mentorship, training, and digital engagement tools has helped operators strengthen employee commitment.
“Technology is playing a fundamental role in reshaping management practices, benefiting both operators and employees,” Moutray said. “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.”
Moutray said a growing number of operators are investing in automation (37%) and AI-driven solutions (28%).
The Workforce Technology Research Insights report is available for download here.
The Washington, D.C.-based National Restaurant Association, founded in 1919, represents about 1 million restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of more than 15.7 million employees. The association sponsors the ServSafe food-safety training and certification program, and its educational foundation sponsors the high school ProStart program.
