Workforce Technology Research: 37% of restaurants plan to adopt AI-powered hiring tools by 2025

GLOBAL – According to Workforce Technology Research Insights, 37% of restaurant operators plan to adopt automated labor management systems by 2035.

According to the report AI-driven tracking, chatbots, and mobile-friendly tools streamline hiring by automating applications, interviews, and onboarding, enabling faster recruitment through text-to-apply options and QR code job postings.

With the restaurant and foodservice industry set to add 150,000 jobs annually between 2025 and 2035, operators are increasingly adopting AI-driven hiring and workforce management tools to enhance recruitment and retention.

By 2035, the industry is expected to employ 17.4 million people, making hiring one of the most labor-intensive aspects of restaurant operations.

From small independent establishments to large chains, securing and retaining talent remains a critical focus.

AI-powered applicant tracking systems (ATS) and chatbots are streamlining the hiring process by managing applications, automating interviews, and accelerating recruitment.

Many restaurants are also leveraging mobile-friendly applications, text-to-apply options, and QR code job postings to simplify access for potential employees.

Industry reports indicate that 37% of restaurant operators plan to implement automated labor management systems, allowing them to onboard employees more efficiently and stay ahead of the competition.

While hiring technologies improve efficiency, retention remains a challenge, particularly in management and back-of-house roles.

The 2025 State of the Restaurant Industry Report highlights that 54% of operators struggle to fill these positions.

To counteract this, restaurants are investing in structured onboarding, AI-driven training modules, and real-time feedback systems, fostering a more engaging work environment.

The first 30 to 90 days of employment are particularly crucial for employee retention. Digital workforce platforms that provide self-service scheduling, shift management, and engagement analytics help track job satisfaction and reduce turnover.

By minimizing hiring times and improving retention, AI-driven workforce solutions enable managers to concentrate on operations, customer service, and food quality instead of continuous recruitment efforts.

With 37% of operators investing in automation and 28% adopting AI-driven workforce solutions, technology is becoming integral to workforce management.

Businesses that embrace these innovations will be better positioned to attract talent, retain employees, and build more efficient teams in an evolving labor market.

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