The restaurant industry's resurgence is in full swing in the United States. And all of that newfound growth means plenty of great opportunities to further your hospitality career, especially if you’ve got your sights set on a management role.
However, if you want to take full advantage of these opportunities, it’s vital to choose the right landing spot. With that in mind, here are the top cities for restaurant jobs that you need to have on your radar:
New York City, NY
Despite dealing with a few challenges over the last few years, New York City remains one of the best cities for restaurant jobs, considered by many to be the ultimate destination for anyone seeking a career in the hospitality sector. Its vast and diverse food scene provides endless opportunities for restaurant managers.
You can set your sights on a high-end Michelin-starred establishment or work at a casual neighborhood eatery. No matter what you choose, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the city’s world-class culture, sights, and sounds. And putting a premier (or up-and-coming) NYC restaurant on your resume can open up all sorts of doors as you pursue new opportunities down the road.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco has a food scene that’s world-renowned for its use of locally sourced ingredients. As a restaurant manager, you would have a chance to be part of the city’s progressive dining culture.
As for what makes San Fran one of the best cities for restaurant jobs, the list is practically endless. The city has thriving tech and tourism sectors and helped pioneer the farm-to-table movement. There are establishments that cater to everyone, including corporate professionals, tech gurus, and, of course, tourists. You can be part of a restaurant that speaks to your inner passion for awesome food and culinary greatness.
Los Angeles, California
No list of the best cities for restaurant jobs would be completed without including Los Angeles. LA has a food scene that’s as diverse as its population. You’ll find everything from celebrity-owned hotspots to hidden gems serving authentic global cuisines. LA’s restaurants are always in demand.
But even besides its vibrant food industry, there’s a lot to love about LA. The Hollywood influence means you can find yourself working in a high-profile environment, hosting exclusive events, and even catering to celebrities. Altogether, the City of Angels is a melting pot of cultures, which means no matter what you are into or what sort of environment you’d like to manage, you’ll have a chance to leave your mark and serve some truly passionate patrons.
Miami, Florida
Miami’s culinary landscape has been heavily influenced by its proximity to Latin America and the Caribbean, blending flavors from around the world. Miami also benefits from a constant influx of tourists, making it a hotspot for restaurant managers.
While every city has slow seasons, Miami’s is short-lived. You can stay busy for much of the year and find an establishment that aligns with your professional aspirations. Miami is home to a large number of luxury restaurants, trendy nightlife spots, and community staples that have been serving up delicious dishes for years. If you favor a fast-paced environment with plenty of room for growth, you’ll thrive in Miami.
Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City has a whole lot more to offer than world-class deep-dish pizza. Chicago is home to a mix of fine dining and casual eateries, making it a great landing spot for any restaurant management professional.
Even if you don’t have any management experience just yet, Chicago can be one of the best environments in which to grow. You can step into an entry-level role and work your way up the ladder of a high-end establishment. The city offers a slightly more affordable cost of living than New York and San Francisco, too, all while providing plenty of opportunities to develop valuable hospitality skills.
Dallas, Texas
Dallas has become a major player in the restaurant scene, blending southern hospitality with a twist of modern culinary innovation. The growing food scene is poised to encourage new restaurant openings in a variety of niches, which can translate into more opportunities for you to step into leadership roles.
As a major business hub, Dallas hosts numerous conventions and corporate events. There’s a huge demand for restaurants catering to professional travelers and event attendees. Use that trend to network and build your personal brand as a highly skilled and accommodating restaurant manager.
Austin, Texas
Austin is the second Texas destination on our list of the best cities for restaurant jobs. For starters, it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the entire country, complete with a famous live music scene and the foundation to become the nation’s next major tech hub.
The city can be a great choice for you, no matter what stage of your career you are in. There are plenty of restaurant jobs available, including entry-level, mid-tier, and management positions. Austin offers a more diverse assortment of restaurants and food establishments than nearby Dallas, too. Find an establishment and role that aligns with your work experience and take the plunge, and you’ll be glad you did.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., rounds out our list of the best cities for restaurant jobs. The nation’s capital has a food scene that reflects the city’s international influences. Skilled restaurant managers are in demand, and there are plenty of premium (and private) establishments from which to choose.
Discretion must be one of your top skills if you want to thrive in DC. If you work at a high-end establishment, there’s a good chance you’ll be catering to the needs of politicians and high-profile business travelers on a regular basis.
Connect With One Haus
One Haus specializes in connecting hospitality businesses with top talent. We can add you to our talent pool and help you find the ideal destination based on your long-term career goals. Connect with one of our recruiters today to learn more about how you can explore restaurant management roles in one of these hospitality hot spots.