National Restaurant Association Mid-Year State of the Industry Report

Despite a steady trend of job creation in the first half of the year, eating and drinking places are still nearly one million jobs, or eight percent, below pre-pandemic employment levels and the restaurants and accommodations sector have one of the highest levels of unfilled job openings of any industry, according to a mid-year supplement to the 2021 State of the Restaurant Industry Report from the Natonal Restaurant Association. 

The report illustrates the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the restaurant industry and provides an updated look at key indicators and trends influencing the industry's recovery as of June/July 2021, including the current state of the economy, workforce, and food and beverage sales.

Other key findings include: 

Food and beverage sales in the restaurant and foodservice industry are projected to total $789 billion in 2021, up 19.7% from 2020. As of June 2021, 39 states and the District of Columbia had reopened to 100-percent indoor…