Restaurant Industry Unemployment Nears Double National Average

In February 2026, about one out of every 14 food service workers was unemployed, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This places the unemployment rate for food service and drinking establishments at 7.1%, nearly twice the national average of roughly 4.1%.

That percentage translates to around 875,000 food service workers actively seeking employment but unable to secure jobs. During the first two months of 2026 alone, the industry lost approximately 29,700 positions between January and February.

Two Years of Declining Conditions
The February 2026 numbers are part of a broader trend rather than a one-off spike. Unemployment in the food service sector has climbed steadily over the past two years:
 

“Two years ago, roughly 1 in 20 food service workers were unemployed in February,” said Milos Eric. “Today that number is closer to 1 in 14. The industry has still added jobs during that time, which may seem contradictory, but both trends can exist simultaneously.”

Data from OysterLink also illustrates this pattern. Job postings for open positions have increased year over year in many markets, yet many workers are moving between roles more frequently instead of staying in long-term positions, contributing to higher overall unemployment levels within the sector.