Where can I find good restaurant employees?
Best Sources for Restaurant Staff
Employee referrals are consistently rated as a top source for hourly workers because your team knows who will fit. Offer a bonus (often $100–$500, paid after 90 days) for successful referrals. Job boards like Indeed, Craigslist, and Poached (for restaurants) are also common. Industry-specific sites like Culinary Agents or Good Food Jobs can help for back-of-house or management roles.
Social media works well: post on your restaurant's Instagram, Facebook, and local community groups. Culinary schools and community college hospitality programs often have job boards and internship coordinators. Job fairs, especially those focused on hospitality, can be effective. Some operators have luck with signs on the door or window, especially for immediate openings. Don't overlook your own customers—regulars sometimes want to work part-time.
- Employee referrals with a bonus.
- Job boards: Indeed, Craigslist, Poached, Culinary Agents.
- Social media: Instagram, Facebook, local groups.
- Culinary schools and hospitality programs.
- Job fairs and community events.
- Signs on the door or window for immediate needs.
Passive Candidates and Networking
Some of the best employees aren't actively looking. Keep an eye out for great service at other restaurants, coffee shops, or retail stores. Introduce yourself, hand them a card, and say you're always looking for good people. Attend local restaurant association meetings or industry events to network.
Build a talent pipeline even when you're not hiring. Keep a list of past applicants who impressed you but weren't available then. Stay in touch with former employees who left on good terms—they may return or refer others. A simple 'we're hiring' text to your network can yield results.
Common mistakes
- Only posting on one job board and waiting for applicants.
- Not offering a referral bonus or making it hard to claim.
- Ignoring passive candidates who are currently employed elsewhere.
