Restaurant Industry A Canadian Favourite

Well, we’re just a couple of short days away from this year’s CRFA Show at the Direct Energy Centre in downtown Toronto. And just in case you haven’t noticed yet, we couldn’t be more excited! This year’s event takes place between Sunday and Tuesday and Synergy Merchant Services will be awaiting you at booth 1009.

Be sure to come by and visit us. As we have been mentioning, the CRFA Show is an absolutely amazing experience for all visitors. Even if you’re not part of the restaurant and foodservices industry, there is so much for you to learn…and eat! That being said, the restaurant business is actually one that is tops among providing jobs in Canada.

Back in December, the CRFA’s website revealed the results of a Kraft Foodservice Canada-sponsored survey. It discovered that 22 per cent of Canadians say that they received their first jobs in the restaurant and foodservice industry. Polling over 1,000 Canadians, the public opinion survey reveals that the restaurant business is the top industry for offering people their first tastes of employment.

Retail, manufacturing, delivering newspapers and agriculture followed restaurants, in that order, for the top first job-providing industries in Canada. As well, 45 per cent of Canadian adults have a connection to the restaurant industry of some type. This refers to those who may have worked in or have had a family member work in the food field.

As a result, Canadians rank the restaurant industry very highly when it comes to it economic impact. In fact, 80 per cent of respondents feel that it is a “vital source of employment”. 70 per cent agree that it is “important” to the national economy. 75 per cent feel that working in restaurants helps young people to develop “crucial skills”.

Said Garth Whyte, the President and CEO of the CRFA: “This is the first study of its kind in Canada, providing us with a fascinating glimpse into how the restaurant industry is perceived by Canadians. It is important for policy-makers to understand that Canadians have a strong connection to the restaurant industry and value its contribution to jobs and the economy, and first-time jobs in particular.”

In addition, the survey also found that going out to eat at restaurants is a favourite choice among Canadians when it comes to leisure activities. When it comes to going out with family and friends, 28 per cent of respondents say that going to a restaurant is number one. Outdoor activities, going to a movie, going shopping and going to a concert followed in that order.

It is obvious that the restaurant industry is an important part of both the national economy and the overall happiness of our population. After all, who doesn’t like to go out to eat? Be sure you come out to eat this Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at the CRFA Show. The benefits to you and your business are endless! See you there!