The number of individuals working in Michigan restaurants is down 24.0% since February, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The BLS survey covered February through October. The national average for job losses in restaurants and other eating places was 14.7%.
In the broader category that includes bars, restaurants and other food service establishments, 26.5% of Michigan workers have lost their jobs since February, according to the survey.
The national average for job losses in food service and drinking places was 14.8%.
Michigan had 325,600 jobs in what the BLS calls the “food services and drinking places industry” in February. By October, there were 239,200 jobs. Restaurant employment here hit a low point in April, falling from 325,600 to 145,000.
On Dec. 2, the National Restaurant Association released a survey. It found that, nationwide, at least 17% of all eating and drinking places – or more than 110,000 establishments – had closed. The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association has estimated that 5,000 restaurants and hotels will be shuttered if the lockdown restrictions continue.
Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.