Instant and the Center for Generational Kinetics conducted a statistically significant, in-depth study evaluating the pressures and perceptions of hourly restaurant workers.
Download the 2026 State of Hourly Restaurant Workers Study to understand the financial strain facing frontline restaurant employees and why 61% went without a meal in the past week.
This data-driven report looks at the pressures shaping today’s workforce and what it means for retention, performance, and the future of restaurant operations. Based on a national survey of 750 hourly restaurant and foodservice employees, the report gives restaurant executives a clearer view of worker challenges and how employers can help.
Key Findings:
0
%
of hourly restaurant workers say they are living paycheck to paycheck.
0
%
report skipping more than one meal per week because they could not afford it.
0
%
say company leadership does not understand what it is like to live paycheck to paycheck.
0
%
say they would be likely to stay at a job long term if same-day tips were available.
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