News
Automation · Labor Shortage · Operating Costs · Restaurant Industry
U.S. restaurants face a severe and critical dishwasher shortage, impacting industry leaders like First Watch Restaurant Group CEO Chris Tomasso and Darden Restaurants CEO Rick Cardenas, driving up labor costs and operational strain, with replacing an hourly worker now costing $2,700, up from $2,300 in 2024.
Dishwashers, averaging $32,500 annually according to Indeed, are among the most sought-after positions, yet they rank in the bottom third of restaurant jobs for pay. High turnover, costing $2,700 per hourly worker as estimated by Black Box Intelligence, is exacerbated by tougher immigration enforcement under the Trump administration and a reluctance among young people to take these demanding roles.
Restaurant operators are responding with various strategies; Kura Sushi imports $15,000 robotic dishwashers, while Union Square Hospitality Group provides meals and family discounts. John's Food and Wine, for example, pays dishwashers an average of $70,000 annually by distributing a 20% service fee among hourly staff, successfully retaining its team.
First Watch dishwashers average $17.21 an hour. The National Restaurant Association reports 54% of sit-down restaurants had fewer-than-average applicants for kitchen-support positions last year, prompting trade groups to advocate for a lower-skilled immigrant worker visa program.
