Restaurant Sales (and the Need for Culinary School Grads) on the Rise

by AJ Fanter
ajfanter@careerschoolguide.com
Career School Guide Columnist

There’s great news for those who’ve been dreaming of attending culinary school. Restaurant sales are on the rise, and so is the need for cooking school graduates. In fact, according to a brand new economic forecast released by the National Restaurant Association, restaurant sales are projected to grow at least 5% in 2007 to a staggering $537 billion.

In addition, the industry which already employs roughly 12.8 million people will be adding roughly two million new career opportunities in the next decade. And for those who love to cook, the best kitchen jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, will go to those who’ve graduated from cooking school.

Facts and Figures

What is driving this impressive growth in the restaurant business? While it may surprise those who love to cook, average Americans spend nearly half (47.9%) of their food budget in restaurants. And the numbers just keep rising. The National Restaurant Association report projects that full-service restaurants will reach $181.6 billion in sales in 2007 - a 5.1% increase over 2006 - which is great news for cooking school grads who hope to work in a full-service restaurant. Furthermore, a 2006 Purdue University study found that more than 90% of culinary school graduates get hired by restaurants, with average salaries starting at $24,000.

Why Attend Cooking School?

One of the primary benefits of attending a culinary school is being able to start as a cook or chef without spending a large amount of time in entry level kitchen jobs. While cooking school programs vary from a few months to 2 or more years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics any culinary school education will give you an advantage when looking for a job in a better restaurant.

If you love to cook, consider attending and graduating from culinary school. It could be your entrée into the fast-growing restaurant industry.

Source

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Chefs, Cooks, and Food Preparation Workers
Increased Restaurant Industry Sales, Employment Growth Predicted in 2007; National Restaurant Association
Demand for culinary school graduates on rise, Dallas/Fort Worth Star-Telegram.com

About the Author

AJ Fanter is a freelance writer based in Reno, NV.