National Restaurant Association Sees Continued Growth and Success by Future-proofing What Makes the Restaurant Experience Unforgettable

CHICAGO, May 18, 2025 ~ In her keynote address at the annual National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, National Restaurant Association President & CEO Michelle Korsmo emphasized the importance of investing in people and embracing technology to ensure the continued success of the restaurant industry.

Korsmo highlighted the fierce competition for talent in the industry and stressed the need to inspire individuals to choose a career in restaurants. She also recognized the value of creating a workplace that offers purpose and fulfillment, as well as providing flexibility and utilizing technology to enhance both employee and customer experiences.

According to the National Restaurant Association's 2025 State of the Restaurant Industry report, 60 percent of food service employees are under 35 years old. This younger generation is looking for more than just a paycheck; they want a community and a workplace that values their potential. Korsmo pointed out that programs like ProStart®, which provides high school students with hands-on culinary and business experience, are preparing them to be future leaders in the industry.

Korsmo also emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to unleash breakthrough efficiency in today's rapidly changing and competitive marketplace. She noted that restaurant operators can no longer rely on simply balancing their checkbooks at the end of each month to determine profitability. Instead, they must have tighter control over inventory, make smarter purchasing decisions, and strategically manage their supply chain. Additionally, managing labor costs effectively through better scheduling, predictive tools, and automation can make all the difference between struggling and staying profitable.

More on EntSun News

• Koplon Implant & Family Dentistry Receives National Recognition as One of the Best Dental Implant Practices in the U.S
• San Antonio Buyer Secures 2.375% Mortgage in 2025-Broker Reveals the Mistake Costing Buyers Thousands
• Heritage at South Brunswick Grand Opening Success!
• New Film 'Florence' Concludes Horror Film Trilogy with a Personal Connection
• Don Barnhart's New Special "You Do You!" Blowing Up the Internet with No-Apologies

The use of technology has become crucial for restaurants, with 83 percent of operators stating that it provides a clear competitive advantage. In fact, 4 out of 10 operators say that their tech investments have directly improved overall customer satisfaction. As labor and food costs continue to rise, Korsmo stressed that improving efficiency through technology is essential for staying profitable.

Korsmo closed her remarks by highlighting consumers' continued love for the restaurant experience. With sales projected to reach $1.5 trillion this year and strong demand across every segment of the industry, she encouraged restaurant operators to get involved and make their voices heard. Korsmo reminded them that they are the best advocates for the restaurant industry.

In conclusion, Korsmo's message to attendees at the National Restaurant Association Show was clear: by investing in people and embracing technology, restaurants can continue to thrive in a rapidly changing and competitive marketplace. The full transcript of her remarks can be found on the National Restaurant Association's website.

---

Show All News | Report Violation