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Employer Branding For Restaurants: 7 Effective Strategies

Ian Cook

The restaurant industry isn't just about creating great food - it's also about inspiring your employees who serve it.

With high turnover rates and growing competition for skilled staff, restaurant employers need more than "Now Hiring" signs to attract the right talent.

That's where having an effective employer branding strategy comes in.

In this guide, we're breaking down 7 employer branding strategies, backed by real data, real examples, and real-world tools.

Whether you're a burger takeaway in North Carolina or a luxury restaurant in Manhattan, these actionable strategies can help you become the employer of choice.

So, let's get started.

1. Use Vouch to Capture Authentic Employee Stories

Prospective candidates always want the inside scoop before applying. They're not just checking your menu; they're going to your workplace.

Vouch (vouchfor.com) lets your current employees record short, real, unscripted videos about what it's like to work at your restaurant.

These clips become powerful employer branding content for your website, job postings, and socials.

How Employer Branding Videos helps:

  • Builds quick trust with potential hires
  • Showcases your team, workplace culture and daily life
  • Makes recruiters' lives easier with shareable stories
  • Boosts candidate experience

Leading brands and household names are already using Vouch to improve their employer branding efforts as you can highlight your workplace, career growth, flexible schedules, and work-life balance in these stories, including to Gen Z and Millennial workers.

2. Define and Communicate Your Employee Value Proposition (EVP)

An EVP is what sets you apart and answers the question: Why should someone work for you instead of the restaurant next door?

In the hospitality industry, a strong EVP should include:

  • Employee discounts or meals during shifts
  • Clear career opportunities and professional development
  • Inclusive culture and commitment to diversity
  • Benefits packages like tuition reimbursement or employee assistance program

According to LinkedIn, companies with a clearly defined EVP reduce their turnover by 69% and see a 29% increase in new hire commitment (source).

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3. Turn Your Employees Into Your Best Recruiters

It goes without saying that employee-generated content beats stock photos every time.

Letting your hourly employees and full-time staff share their experiences on social media can have huge upsides.

Encourage them to:

  • Share their career paths
  • Talk about their favourite parts of the job
  • Highlight your company culture

Kimpton Hotels features real employees across their Instagram and careers site, creating a personal, welcoming feel that attracts culinary professionals and hospitality talent.

4. Create Clear Growth Paths and Promote From Within

One of the biggest red flags for prospective employees is always a dead-end-sounding job with no possible career progression.

When this is the case, many people would rather be an Uber driver or similar gig worker.

Restaurants that build and advertise development programs and upward mobility attract higher-quality applicants. Plus, internal promotions improve employee engagement and retention.

Add this to your job postings:

  • "90% of our managers started as servers."
  • "We offer continuous learning through culinary training and leadership workshops."
  • "We support career development with tuition assistance."

White Castle has long emphasized promoting from within. Their commitment to equality and internal development programs have helped them stand out in the crowded QSR space.

5. Invest in Employee Well-Being and Work-Life Balance

In the restaurant and service industries, employee experience often goes way beyond the paycheck.

Today's qualified professionals care about mental health, work-life balance, and feeling valued.

Ideas that work:

  • Flexible schedules for students or parents
  • Access to mental health days or counselling services
  • Employee appreciation events or socials
  • Staff meals or snack bars

According to a report by the National Restaurant Association, 84% of restaurant workers said life balance is a top priority, but only 32% feel they have balance.

6. Highlight Culture Fit and Company Values in Hiring

You're not just hiring a resume. You're bringing someone into a tight-knit team.

Make sure your hiring process reflects your company values and culture fit.

Use a conversational interview environment to talk about:

  • What teamwork looks like during a lunch rush
  • How excellent service is handled under pressure
  • What kind of personalities thrive on your team

Feature team values on your website. Whether you're a fast-casual pizza place or a five-star steakhouse, clarity on culture helps job candidates self-select, and that leads to better hires.

7. Track, Measure, and Adapt Your Employer Branding Effort

No branding strategy is "set and forget." You've got to know what's working.

Track these employer branding metrics:

  • Employee turnover rates
  • Cost per hire
  • Employee rating on sites like Glassdoor or Indeed
  • Number of referrals or internal promotions

Running pulse surveys and conducting employee experience analysis every 6 months is also vital to see where you can improve.

Hyatt Hotels regularly surveys employees and adjusts programs based on feedback, helping them consistently stay on "Best Places to Work" lists.

Who Are The Top 10 Restaurants And Restaurant Chains Worldwide?

From our Vouch research, here are the top 10 restaurant chains worldwide by estimated annual revenue, along with brief overviews and links to their official websites:

1. McDonald’s

  • Overview: The world's largest fast-food chain, renowned for its burgers, fries, and global presence.
  • Revenue: $25.4 billion (2023)
  • Website: mcdonalds.com

2. Starbucks

  • Overview: A global coffeehouse chain offering a variety of coffee beverages, teas, and pastries.
  • Revenue: $35.9 billion (2023)
  • Website: starbucks.com

3. Subway

  • Overview: Known for its customizable submarine sandwiches and salads, operating worldwide.
  • Revenue: $16.1 billion (2023)
  • Website: subway.com

4. Yum! Brands

  • Overview: Parent company of KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill, operating globally.
  • Revenue: $7 billion (2023)
  • Website: yum.com

5. Restaurant Brands International (RBI)

  • Overview: Owns Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs, with a strong international footprint.
  • Revenue: $7 billion (2023)
  • Website: rbi.com

6. Chipotle Mexican Grill

  • Overview: Fast-casual chain specializing in burritos, bowls, and tacos made with fresh ingredients.
  • Revenue: $9.9 billion (2023)
  • Website: chipotle.com

7. Darden Restaurants

  • Overview: Operates brands like Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and The Capital Grille in the U.S.
  • Revenue: $11.2 billion (2023)
  • Website: darden.com

8. Yum China

  • Overview: Manages KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell operations exclusively in China.
  • Revenue: $10.9 billion (2023)
  • Website: yumchina.com

9. Domino’s Pizza

  • Overview: Global pizza delivery and carryout chain known for its quick service and online ordering.
  • Revenue: $4.4 billion (2023)
  • Website: dominos.com

10. Chick-fil-A

  • Overview: U.S.-based chain specializing in chicken sandwiches, noted for its customer service.
  • Revenue: $18.8 billion (2023)
  • Website: chick-fil-a.com

FAQs

What is employer branding in restaurants?

It's how restaurants promote themselves as great places to work, attracting and keeping top talent.

How does employer branding reduce turnover?

A strong employer brand creates a better employee experience and connects with people who are the right fit, leading to longer stays.

How can small restaurants compete with big chains?

By showcasing authentic employee stories, offering growth opportunities, and promoting a supportive workplace culture.

What's the best tool for employer branding content?

Vouch is ideal for collecting real employee videos that resonate with potential hires.

Should job ads talk about benefits and culture?

Absolutely. Mention career growth, employee discounts, and life balance right in the job ad.

Can hourly roles have an EVP?

Yes! Even part-time or hourly roles can offer flexibility, a positive environment, and upward mobility.

What are examples of employer branding done well?

Look at White Castle, Hyatt Hotels, and Kimpton Hotels for standout employer branding examples in food and hospitality.

See Why Employer Branding Managers Love Vouch

Loved by companies like Canva, Nike, Cisco, Stryker, HubSpot, Amazon, and more, tools like Vouch make leveraging video for employer branding remarkably easy.

Book a Vouch demo today and chat with a video content marketing expert.

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