A Fast-Food Problem: Where Have All the Teenagers Gone?

The New York Times ^ | 03 May 2018 | RACHEL ABRAMS and ROBERT GEBELOFF

[Theoria]

A quarter-century ago, there were 56 teenagers in the labor force for every “limited service” restaurant — that is, the kind where you order at the counter.

Today, there are fewer than half as many, which is a reflection both of teenagers’ decreasing work force participation and of the explosive growth in restaurants.

But in an industry where cheap labor is an essential component in providing inexpensive food, a shortage of workers is changing the equation upon which fast-food places have long relied. This can be seen in rising wages, in a growth of incentives, and in the sometimes odd situations that business owners find themselves in.

This is why Jeffrey Kaplow, for example, spends a lot of time working behind the counter in his Subway restaurant in Lower Manhattan. It’s not what he pictured himself doing, but he simply doesn’t have enough employees.

Mr. Kaplow has tried everything he can think of to find workers, placing Craigslist ads, asking other franchisees for referrals, seeking to hire people from Subways that have closed.

Yet there he was during a recent lunchtime rush, ringing up veggie footlongs and fountain drinks. He feared that if the line grew too long, people might get frustrated and not come back.

[ClearBlueSky]

My nephew manages a Hooters in Jefferson Parish and it seems parolees and messed up 20-30 somethings are all that apply for jobs. They don't last long-and many only get jobs to case business and set up later robberies. Almost no teens working anywhere.

My great-niece just got a job at McDonalds in Belle Chasse. Much safer than the city, but we still worry. She's 17 and anxious for her own money ad independence. If she can put the cell phone down(like most who are glued to it) she should do ok. Real reality check-when they work for their money suddenly the high-end and hot fashions aren't all that necessary.

[Mears]

“Unless you have a Parent (Dad) who makes you work -———”

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Why just Dad?

.

[bgill]

Good on him.

[Edward.Fish]

Ah! My mistake then.