Michigan Restaurant Workers Slammed Harder Than Other States

The number of individuals working in Michigan restaurants is down 24.0% since February, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The BLS survey covered February through October. The national average for job losses in restaurants and other eating places was 14.7%.

In the broader category that includes bars, restaurants and other food service establishments, 26.5% of Michigan workers have lost their jobs since February, according to the survey.

The national average for job losses in food service and drinking places was 14.8%.

Michigan had 325,600 jobs in what the BLS calls the “food services and drinking places industry” in February. By October, there were 239,200 jobs. Restaurant employment here hit a low point in April, falling from 325,600 to 145,000.

On Dec. 2, the National Restaurant Association released a survey. It found that, nationwide, at least 17% of all eating and drinking places – or more than 110,000 establishments – had closed. The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association has estimated that 5,000 restaurants and hotels will be shuttered if the lockdown restrictions continue.