Which industries will hire the most food service workers in 2025?

One might expect restaurants to hire the most foodservice workers in a given period of time, but that’s not always have the labor market works. There are plenty of foodservice workers who aren’t employed by foodservice companies. For example, if you’ve ever been to a hospital, and almost all of us have, you’ll know that every hospital employs foodservice workers. Some work in the kitchens that prepare the food for the patients while others work in the cafeterias or other restaurants within the hospitals to provide food to staff, visitors, and some of the patients.

We reached out to 10 leading industry experts to ask them which industries they expect to drive the demand for food service candidates in 2025. According to a Chief Growth Officer, the healthcare industry will take the lead in hiring. Meanwhile, a CEO highlights how the technology sector will integrate food services.

• Healthcare Industry Will Lead in Hiring
• Hospitality and Tourism Sectors Will Grow
• Retail and Grocery Industry Will Expand
• Sustainable and Plant-Based Food Sector Grows
• Quick Service Restaurants Will Dominate Hiring
• Outdoor Recreational Spaces Drive Demand
• Education Sector Expands Dining Services
• Dark Kitchens to Boost Fast Food Jobs
• Institutional Catering Industry to See Growth
• Technology Sector to Integrate Food Services

Healthcare Industry Will Lead in Hiring

I anticipate that the healthcare industry will lead in hiring food service candidates in 2025. The aging population and increasing chronic health conditions mean that hospitals, assisted living centers, and rehabilitation facilities will need more food service professionals to meet the unique dietary needs of patients and residents. This shift is driven by a heightened awareness of nutrition’s role in recovery and long-term health management, making foodservice an integral part of healthcare.

Within healthcare, there’s a growing demand for specialized food service staff who understand the nuances of dietary restrictions, therapeutic diets, and the need for high-quality meal options tailored to specific health requirements. For example, patients recovering from surgery may need nutrient-dense meals to support healing, while others may require meals designed to manage diabetes, hypertension, or other chronic conditions. This need for specialized support creates job opportunities for those trained in healthcare food service, from nutrition-focused chefs to dietary aides.

Additionally, healthcare facilities are increasingly committed to creating a more upbeat dining experience, recognizing the impact of good food on patient satisfaction and well-being. As a result, I expect to see more hiring of skilled food service professionals who can contribute to enhancing the quality of meals provided in healthcare settings. This trend will improve patient care and elevate food service standards in healthcare, making it a leading industry for food service employment by 2025.

Sachin Puri, Chief Growth Officer, Liquid Web

Hospitality and Tourism Sectors Will Grow

The food service industry is expected to gain a lot of growth in the year 2025, especially in sectors such as hospitality and tourism. While traveling returns to normal, competitive niches such as accommodation establishments including hotels, resorts, tourist venues, holiday accommodations, and other tourist attractions will need efficient food service personnel to feed the world tourists who are becoming selective. With the guests at the center of each restaurant or other eating establishment, employers will look for cooks, waitstaff, sous chefs, and food and beverage managers. Consequently, there is likely to be growth in themed eating places and restaurants that offer a touch of luxury to the client, hence serving the interest of specialized chef professionals.

The trend that will also spur hiring in the tech-driven segment of the food service is fast-growing delivery services and cloud kitchens. This means that companies will need employees who have the skills to independently manage processes in environments characterized by high levels of convenience and integration of advanced technology. The new restaurant delivery-only concept, popularized due to COVID-19 will progress further and jobs will be centered on logistics, kitchen, and personnel having to focus on the client experience.

Holding our expectation for the later part of the year, it is estimated that the healthcare and education industries will also expand their need for food service employees. Hospitals, communities for the elderly, and schools and colleges are all stressing making their food healthier and more sustainable. This is in line with a new zeitgeist that is quickly embracing wellness and healthy eating habits that would consequently require the recruitment of personnel such as dietitians, nutritionist-focused chefs, and cafeteria managers. These industries have a main need for employees who are skilled and versatile enough to come up with creative solutions to the challenges that are posed by required high standards of health and safety; therefore they will remain a main area for food serving “employments of the future” in 2025.

Ranveer Brar, Owner, Kashkan Restaurants

Retail and Grocery Industry Will Expand

I expect the retail and grocery industry to be the top sector hiring food service candidates in 2025. 

There has been a notable growth in in-store dining options within grocery stores. Many retailers are expanding their offerings by creating food courts, cafes, and prepared meal sections. 

These in-store dining experiences allow customers to enjoy meals while they shop, increasing the demand for skilled food service professionals such as cooks, servers, and kitchen managers.

Furthermore, as consumers increasingly seek convenience, grocery stores are meeting this demand by offering ready-to-eat meal kits that customers can quickly pick up. 

Additionally, consumers are becoming more conscious of the origins and quality of their food, prompting grocery stores to offer locally sourced, organic, and healthy food options. To meet this demand, they will need food service professionals who can handle and prepare these specialized products while adhering to quality and safety standards. 

In a nutshell, the increased focus on quality and service in grocery retail will contribute to a rise in hiring, particularly for those with expertise in food services.

Peter Bryla, Senior Community Manager, Resume-Now

Sustainable and Plant-Based Food Sector Grows

I expect the sustainable and plant-based food industry to hire the most food service candidates in 2025. The increasing demand for healthier, environmentally friendly food options is driving growth in this sector. 

More consumers are looking for plant-based, organic, and locally sourced food choices, leading to a rise in restaurants, cafes, and food delivery services focusing on these offerings.

As the trend toward sustainability continues, there will be a greater need for skilled workers who understand the nuances of plant-based cooking, nutrition, and sourcing sustainable ingredients. 

In-demand roles will include chefs specializing in plant-based cuisines, sustainability coordinators, and food service managers who can oversee the operational side of eco-friendly dining experiences.

The rise of ghost kitchens and food delivery platforms focused on health-conscious meals will also contribute to increased hiring in the food service industry. 

With many customers preferring convenience without compromising on quality or sustainability, this trend will lead to a growing need for food service professionals who can manage these high-demand operations.

In 2025, the focus on sustainability, health, and convenience will continue to shape the hiring needs within the food service industry, making it a significant area for job growth.

Fawad Langah, Director General, Best Diplomats

Quick Service Restaurants Will Dominate Hiring

The Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry is set to emerge as the primary employer of food service candidates in 2025, driven by a confluence of market trends, consumer behavior, and technological innovation. With a 49.61% market share in 2023 and projected consumer spending reaching $323.7 billion, QSRs represent a robust and dynamic sector of the food service economy.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics corroborates this projection, indicating an anticipated 789,300 annual job openings for fast food and counter workers between 2022 and 2032. This substantial employment potential stems from transformative post-pandemic dining habits, where consumers increasingly gravitate towards convenient, technology-enabled dining experiences.

Technological adoption and shifting generational preferences further drive the QSR sector’s growth. Young consumers demonstrate a marked preference for quick, efficient dining options, while QSRs also influence advanced technologies to streamline operations and address emerging labor challenges. These strategic adaptations position QSRs as food service providers and innovative employment platforms.

The broader food service industry will experience a modest 1.0% real growth in 2025. However, QSRs are positioned to outperform other segments like casual dining and fast-casual restaurants. Their ability to rapidly adapt to consumer demands, integrate cutting-edge technologies, and offer flexible employment opportunities makes them the most promising hiring landscape for food service professionals in the upcoming year.

Richard Dalder, Business Development Manager, Tradervue

Outdoor Recreational Spaces Drive Demand

I predict that outdoor recreational spaces and tourism destinations will drive demand for food service candidates in 2025. With more people interested in outdoor activities and tourism rebounding, there’s a renewed emphasis on enhancing the overall experience, which includes quality food options. Restaurants and concessions at parks, beaches, and other popular destinations are likely to hire candidates who understand both high-volume service and the unique needs of outdoor dining. It’s a setting where food service candidates can bring energy and creativity to provide an experience that complements the natural environment, whether that’s preparing grab-and-go options or helping with seasonal menus tailored to the outdoor adventure vibe.

Wesley Littlefield, Marketing Manager, Anglers

Education Sector Expands Dining Services

In the education sector, there could be hiring for food service positions with schools and universities opening dining services to offer a richer experience for students. There’s a focus on holistic well-being that includes nutrition. As more institutions focus on quality and convenience, skilled food service professionals will become in higher demand. The same phenomenon is happening in other sectors where personalized services are considered to drive customer satisfaction. The emphasis will be on creating environments for diverse needs.

Tornike Asatiani, CEO, Edumentors

Dark Kitchens to Boost Fast Food Jobs

Since COVID, we have seen an increase in customers looking for catering equipment, to open “dark kitchens.” A dark kitchen (sometimes called ghost kitchens) are commercial kitchens, specifically designed to sell food through delivery. 

One of the benefits is that a single kitchen can serve multiple brands and culinary styles meaning scaling becomes a lot easier. With the convenience and ever rising usage of companies like Just Eat, Uber, and Deliveroo, it has never been easier to start a takeaway business and get customers right away. 

We believe that this trend will continue and the fast food/takeaway industry will be the biggest employer of food service candidates in 2025.

Luke Seddon, Marketing Manager, H2 Catering Equipment

Institutional Catering Industry to See Growth

The Institutional and Corporate Catering industry will hire the most food service candidates in 2025. Healthcare, Education, and Corporate Dining sectors are rapidly growing due to high demand for food preparation and delivery. This in turn means a high demand for chefs and skillful workers in the food industry. The emphasis on healthy eating today has heightened awareness in corporate workers and institutional shareholders making people shift to healthy eating habits. This means easting from places they can trust. Food prepared in institutions is the safest option, therefore the rapid growth of the industry and consequently a rise in demand for food service professionals.

Leah Wanjiku Gathoni, Associate Product Manager, Locklizard Limited

Technology Sector to Integrate Food Services

In 2025, the industry poised to hire the most food service candidates is likely the technology sector, particularly within cybersecurity providers. As digital threats continue to evolve, the demand for cybersecurity services expands rapidly. Companies will increasingly integrate food service within their operations to attract and retain top talent, ultimately creating a work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. My experience in developing customer-centric solutions shows that a comfortable and resourceful work setting significantly enhances productivity. 

Therefore, companies in cybersecurity and related tech fields will look to invest in comprehensive in-house dining options, elevating the need for skilled food service professionals. This offers an exciting avenue for growth and innovation, bridging the gap between tech and hospitality in forward-thinking ways.

Valentin Radu, CEO & Founder, Blogger, Speaker, Podcaster, Omniconvert