They really do.
In a recent Gallup poll, the restaurant industry nabbed the top spot as the most highly regarded American business sector. They beat out 23 other industries including the federal government (who came in dead last, for those wondering). These results are based on Gallup’s annual Work and Education poll. Since 2001, Gallup has asked Americans to rate 24 different business industries on a scale ranging from “very positive” to “very negative.” The final ratings were the difference between the positive and negative ratings for each industry.
The restaurant industry’s favorable ratings are due to a variety of factors. A report from the National Restaurant Association released earlier this year noted that restaurants were entering their fifth year of overall growth despite the challenging economy. Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, said, “As our nation continues its road to recovery, the restaurant industry will remain a key driver of economic growth and a leading jobs creator” (full article here). Not only do restaurants provide jobs to about one in ten working Americans, operators are continually seeking new ways to feed customer appetites with innovative technology and evolving menu options.
