Diamonds in the Rough: Why the Restaurant Industry is a Source for Top Talent

In the hiring world, there’s an unspoken rule: if you didn’t come from a “relevant” industry, your skills might be undervalued—or, worse, dismissed altogether. Despite its many demands, the restaurant industry often suffers from this bias. Too often, it’s seen as an inferior source of talent, with skills that don’t “measure up” to those from corporate roles. Yet, some of today’s most adaptable, resilient professionals come from this field, bringing a depth of experience that few other industries can match.

This perception contradicts the world we’re moving toward, where companies are beginning to focus on skills-based hiring to reduce industry bias. By clinging to the notion that a candidate must have direct industry experience, hiring managers may limit their potential for innovation and miss out on fresh perspectives that drive creative problem-solving. While some sectors require highly specialized expertise, such as medicine, fields like project management, human resources, and operations benefit most from core skills—adaptability, resilience, and results-driven performance.

The restaurant industry teaches these skills every day, across all levels, from frontline to corporate roles. It’s a fast-paced, high-volume, low-margin business that demands people who can think quickly, adapt under pressure, and execute in highly competitive environments.

Despite this, LinkedIn’s Hiring Trends report reveals that industry relevance still takes precedence over skills, meaning talented restaurant professionals are often overlooked by other sectors.

Having started my career as a pizza delivery driver and worked my way up to executive leadership, I’ve seen firsthand how the restaurant industry shapes people into resilient leaders. Consider leaders like Dave Thomas, who went from busboy to founder of Wendy’s, or John Schnatter, who built Papa John’s into a global brand from the back of his father’s bar. While opinions may vary after recent controversies, there’s no denying Schnatter’s achievement in building a pizza empire from humble beginnings.

Let's explore why other sectors would benefit from this unique, battle-tested talent.

1. The Core Skills Gained in the Restaurant Industry

The restaurant industry is more than a training ground; it’s a crucible for essential life and career skills. Here’s what sets restaurant professionals apart:

• Battle-Tested Resilience: Restaurant professionals face constant challenges, including fast-paced environments, high customer expectations, and often unpredictable demands. This environment forges individuals who can stay calm under pressure, adapt on the fly, and deliver consistent results—qualities that are invaluable across all industries.
• Customer-Centric Approach: Restaurant workers understand the value of customer satisfaction and brand loyalty because it’s the lifeblood of their work. This ability to manage customer experiences with empathy and responsiveness is a significant advantage in roles that require client or stakeholder engagement, no matter the industry.
• Leadership and Teamwork Skills: Many restaurant professionals rise to leadership by working from the ground up. This experience helps them develop a people-first leadership style and hands-on management skills, leading to strong, motivated teams. They’re not just managing tasks but connecting with people and building trust—an asset in any leadership or management role.
• Financial and Operational Acumen: Whether managing costs, reducing waste, or meeting sales targets, restaurant professionals gain real-world experience in financial management and operations. These skills align closely with the demands of roles in finance, operations, and beyond, where efficiency and cost-effectiveness are critical.

2. The Restaurant Industry: A Crucible for Talent Across Sectors

For candidates from the restaurant industry, experience isn’t limited to routine tasks; it’s built on a foundation of skills that are adaptable, highly transferable, and incredibly valuable. Here’s why the talent developed in the restaurant industry should be taken seriously across sectors:

• Unlocking Fresh Perspectives: Hiring people from diverse industry backgrounds can spark new ideas and lead to breakthrough solutions. Restaurant professionals bring a unique perspective rooted in real-world problem-solving and a relentless focus on the customer experience.
• Meeting the Need for Adaptability: As we navigate an ever-evolving world, adaptability has become a top priority for companies across all sectors. Restaurant professionals thrive in rapidly changing conditions, giving them an edge in dynamic environments that demand flexibility and quick thinking.
• Building a Resilient, High-Performing Workforce: Companies are looking for employees who are not only skilled but resilient—those who can handle setbacks and bounce back stronger. Restaurant professionals are often drawn from underrepresented backgrounds, making them true underdogs who bring a unique grit and determination that companies need.

The time has come to see the restaurant industry for what it truly is: a training ground for some of the most adaptable, resilient, and customer-focused professionals. Embracing this talent pool is not just a good idea—it’s a strategic advantage.

Conclusion: Recognizing Restaurant Professionals as Valuable Talent

As I look back on my own career, I realize that the restaurant industry didn’t just shape my work ethic—it taught me the resilience, adaptability, and leadership that define my success. Restaurant professionals are some of the most prepared candidates you could find, and it’s time we see their experience for what it truly is: an asset to any industry.