Augmenting the immigration challenge of the previous post, the demographic shift of baby boomers retiring stands to disrupt labor patterns even more. Some boomers have already taken early retirement, however the first of the baby boomers will reach 62 next year, so it begins in earnest and will continue for several years. The pool of available workers in the restaurant will be smaller. Also impacted will be the amount of workers that provide support services to restaurants. (i.e. there will be less plumbers, electricians, delivery drivers, bakers etc.). Interestingly this shift will impact the immigration debate discussed earlier because immigration is a readily available solution. These demographic factors will affect how you are able to receive, prepare and deliver products and services to your guest. Restaurateurs who innovate around these factors will prosper. In a future post I will discuss how the demographic shifts will impact your guest as their dining patterns change as a result of retirements.
Restaurateurs already beset with daily challenges, now they face the looming Demographic Labor Challenge!
