It’s no secret that the restaurant and food service industry was the hardest hit during the pandemic and the Great Resignation. Local businesses are still struggling to stay fully staffed. Some offer incentives like a free meal just for submitting an application. Others have changed their hiring policies and are actively recruiting 14- and 15-year-olds, discovering these teens are incredibly talented, hard-working employees.

 Many ninth graders have already earned Utah Food Handlers Permits through classes in the consumer science category. Some have gone on to join school-sponsored chapters of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, getting hands-on experience in the management, marketing and operations of restaurants and other food services. 

Attract more applicants

To help you reach middle school, high school and college students who are interested in a career in the restaurant and food service industry, KSL Jobs has teamed up with Keys to Success, a program in the nonprofit Success in Education supported by Ken Garff Automotive Group and Mountain America Credit Union. 

In addition to listing all of your open positions on KSL Jobs, we encourage you to create a community account on Keys to Success and upload employment opportunities there as well. Who knows? You might be looking for counter help and find the next Emeril Lagasse instead. Bam!

Members of Gen Z are looking for opportunities that align with their current and future goals. To get a better response from your listings on both KSL Jobs and Keys to Success, be sure to highlight job perks like tuition reimbursement and flexible schedules, as well as opportunities for professional development. Besides the current pay range, you may also want to include retention bonuses (if offered) and potential for future earnings. 

Timing is everything

Summer is the perfect time to recruit teens. They are looking for ways to earn money as they save up for a car, put money away for college or fund their expensive hobbies. The State of Utah also relaxes school-year hour restrictions from June 1 through Labor Day, allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to work until 9:30 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. Those over the age of 16 do not have any hour restrictions during the summer or school year.

Find food service workers. Fast. List your open positions on KSL Jobs and Keys to Success today.