Each year, millions of guests visit Canada’s booming restaurant scene. Still, another large population of residents frequent fast food or order delivery from local restaurants. The high demand for restaurants in the country has led to the industry employing over 1.2 million people. This guide reviews the evolution of restaurant careers in British Columbia and why it may be one of the most secure and desirable industries.
Over One Million Canadians Work in Restaurants
Over 1.2 million Canadians work in restaurants, making the restaurant industry the fourth largest sector in the country. This means that around 7% of Canadians work in a restaurant. An estimated $79 billion goes into the country’s restaurants each year, making restaurant work a secure option.
The restaurant industry is also responsible for employing many of the country’s part-time workers, creating an estimated 11,000 part-time jobs each year. Part-time work is just as important to the country’s economy as full-time, salaried work.
Restaurant Worker Demand Is Higher Than Supply
Not only is Canada’s restaurant scene so populous but there is currently a significant shortage of workers. An estimated 100,000 job vacancies are in the restaurant industry as of 2023. Some experts report restaurant demand has increased by as much as 37%, making it difficult to fill positions fast enough.
Restaurant Ownership Can Be an Excellent Option
Almost one in five restaurant workers is under the age of 21. Approximately 42% of restaurant staff are under the age of 25 years. These statistics can make older employees feel less valued in the industry, which has led to some lifelong restaurant workers taking the leap toward ownership.
As restaurant visits and sales continue increasing, there isn’t a better time to open your own restaurant. Those who have previously worked in restaurants typically have the knowledge and skills to do well as a restaurant owner themselves. Rather than leave the restaurant sector, you can take control of your career with your own business.
Ethnic Restaurants Have Become More Popular in Canada
Ethnic restaurants have become more popular in Canada than in years before. Some of the most successful restaurant businesses in British Columbia, for example, serve Asian and Italian dishes. Restaurants in good locations also tend to do well in British Canada. With inflation and increasing menu prices, more customers expect a visit to the restaurant to offer more than a good menu.
Customers Are More Willing To Try Alternative Dining Options
Many years ago, if you wanted to go out to eat, your options included a few restaurants downtown. Today, however, diners have more choices than ever when it comes to a night out at a restaurant. Restaurant goers can grab a delicious, authentic meal at a local food truck. Food delivery allows customers to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from home.
This willingness to try new dining options also gives today’s restaurant owners more options for business ownership. Opening a food truck business is much more cost-effective than a fine dining restaurant. The invention of ghost kitchens allows restaurant owners to offer a separate menu, sometimes of a different cuisine, to their delivery customers. Food halls have also become more popular in Canada, and especially in British Columbia, as multiple restaurant owners can share in the marketing and leasing costs to attract a wide range of customers.
Smaller, fast-casual dining is also becoming more the norm in British Columbia. Aspiring restaurant owners can find a business for sale Kelowna residents will surely enjoy based on convenience and speed with quick service or fast food options available.
Restaurant Demand Is Likely To Stay Consistent
As the demand for restaurants continues increasing, many believe that it could be an excellent business venture. Of course, as with any business, today’s restaurant owners must deal with struggles like labor shortages. However, transitioning from restaurant worker to owner gives workers more freedom and earning opportunities. The great thing about this transition is that many of the skills that today’s restaurant workers develop easily transfer to a career as a business owner, including good work ethic, customer service, food knowledge, and problem-solving.
Typically, inflation would lead to a decrease in customers frequenting restaurants. However, more recently, as the cost of goods as a whole increases, customers are still visiting restaurants. They’re more willing to pay the increased cost of restaurant goods, considering grocery store costs are just as high. At least with a restaurant, they don’t have to grocery shop, prep, cook, or clean up.
The restaurant industry has been and will continue to be a crucial part of the Canadian and British Columbia economy. Restaurant sales continue increasing, making it an excellent time to pursue a career in the industry, either as an employee or a restaurant owner. Ownership offers many benefits, including flexibility, menu control, unlimited earning potential, and business stability.
