Despite ranking 42nd in the nation in revenue growth, Iowa’s restaurant industry outpaced predictions for job growth in 2014. Posting only a 2.8 percent increase in gross revenues, the foodservice sector still added more than 2,600 jobs last year—that is more than twice the projected 1,000 new jobs that had been expected. What’s more, Iowa should see an additional 12,300 new foodservice jobs in the coming decade. This includes a mix of entry level and management positions according to a just released National Restaurant Association Forecast. “Iowa’s restaurant industry is one of tremendous opportunity,” said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “In fact, it is home to 1 in 10 working people in the state.  It is easy to see why one in three Iowans found their first job in the restaurant industry, but what excites us about today’s report is that this type of job growth, means more and more people are finding lifelong career in hospitality and foodservice.”

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Iowa Restaurant Association The Iowa Restaurant Association is an advocacy organization supporting Iowa’s restaurant and bar industry with educational and promotional programs across the state. For more information on the Iowa Restaurant Association, visit www.restaurantiowa.com. For more information about the National Restaurant Association 2015 Restaurant Industry Forecast, contact Katelyn Kostek at the Iowa Restaurant Association. Media Contact: Katelyn Kostek Public Relations Specialist Iowa Restaurant Association kkostek@restaurantiowa.com 515-276-1454