Restaurant Workers in Survey See Several Paths to Advance

Among surveyed employees whose primary job is in a restaurant, 89% see an opportunity to advance in the industry, the National Restaurant Association reported in a September 25, 2026 summary.

Of those who see opportunity, 48% identify a path with their current employer, 10% with another industry employer and 42% with both.

The trade association conducted the surveys for Made in Restaurants: Industry Careers in America, sponsored by JazzHR. The 1,251 current restaurant employees surveyed included people working primary and secondary jobs. The summary does not state how many had a primary restaurant job.

A separate employer example comes from Chipotle’s Apprentice role. In a September 15, 2026 announcement, the company described the job as preparation for general management and set a goal of placing an Apprentice in every company-owned restaurant by the end of 2027. The company said Apprentices provide leadership coverage during peak periods and weekends, with responsibility for training and the digital makeline.

Chipotle’s current career roadmap places Apprentice between Service Leader and General Manager. A Service Leader oversees the front-of-house team and helps train future Service Leaders. Apprentices participate in recruiting and interviews, scheduling and team training, alongside food safety and guest experience.

Those assignments widen the scope from leading part of the operation to learning the day-to-day work of managing a restaurant. The company’s General Manager description adds responsibility for annual sales and cash-flow plans.