Official Statement - Critical Industries Update

The Texas Restaurant Association thanks President Trump for acknowledging the vital role that restaurants-and the hardworking individuals behind them-play in sustaining our nation's economy and food supply. His decision to include restaurants and critical food production sites like dairies and meatpacking plants in the pause on certain enforcement actions, and to consider executive orders that support vetted immigrant labor in this essential industry, are both timely and impactful.

We stand ready to work with the President and his administration to shape thoughtful, secure workforce policies that strengthen restaurants and the entire food supply chain. We can have both-secure borders and a secure workforce. These policies will not only support Texas' nearly 58,000 restaurants-they will benefit every American in the form of affordable meals, consistent access to food, and a stronger national economy.

Recent data underscores just how urgent that need is:

• Despite average restaurant wages increasing by 30% since 2019:
  • 47% of Texas restaurant operators say they currently have job openings that are difficult to fill
  • 21% of Texas operators say their restaurant doesn't have enough employees to support existing customer demand
  • 89% of Texas operators say they will likely hire additional employees during the next 6-12 months if there are qualified applicants available
• Average food costs are up over 35% from 2019

Shoring up the foodservice workforce is about more than individual restaurants. As we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic, shelves quickly go bare if key segments of the food supply chain are not adequately staffed. Further, these executive orders to secure the food workforce will create a stronger economy for all Americans. In Texas alone, the foodservice industry generates nearly $138 billion in sales, with every dollar spent in a Texas restaurant generating $1.99 to the state's economy. The Texas Restaurant Association appreciates the opportunity to strengthen our workforce and the economic stability of all Americans through the executive orders that President Trump is developing.