First-ever study into Canadians and the restaurant industry reveals strong
connection

TORONTO, Dec. 7 /CNW/ - What was your first real job? Chances are, it was in a restaurant. In a study released today, 22% of Canadians say their first taste of the working world was in the restaurant and foodservice industry - the number one answer, according to an Ipsos public opinion survey of more than 1,000 Canadian adults, sponsored by Kraft Foodservice Canada.

The survey reveals the top five industries for providing first-job experience are:

1. Restaurants  (22% of Canadians say they were first employed in this industry)
2. Retail  (16%)
3. Manufacturing  (11%)
4. Delivering newspapers (8%)
5. Agriculture  (6%)

In total, just under half of Canadian adults (45%) have a connection to the restaurant industry: They or an immediate family member have either worked in the industry, or they work in a business that depends on the restaurant industry.

Given their exposure to the restaurant industry, Canadians rate it very highly in terms of economic impact.  Eight in 10 agree the restaurant industry provides many Canadians with their first job, and that it's a vital source of employment.  Seven in 10 agree it's important to the Canadian economy.

A strong majority of Canadians also agree that restaurants teach transferable job skills: Three in four agree that working in restaurants helps young Canadians develop crucial skills. 

"This is the first study of its kind in Canada, providing us with a fascinating glimpse into how the restaurant industry is perceived by Canadians," says Garth Whyte, President and CEO of the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA).  "It is important for policy-makers to understand that Canadians have a strong connection to the restaurant industry and value its contribution to jobs and the economy, and first-time jobs in particular."

Canada's 81,000 restaurants, bars and caterers generate nearly 4% of national GDP and employ more than one million people in communities across the country.

The study also finds that many Canadians would like to open their own restaurant.  One third of us have dreamed about opening our own restaurant, and the number is even higher if you've had a taste of the business. Those currently or previously employed in the industry are even more likely to want to open their own restaurant.

And when it comes to going out with family and friends, restaurants are number one on the list of preferred activities.  The top five things Canadians prefer to do when going out with family and friends are:

1. Go to a restaurant  (28% ranked this number one)
2. Outdoor activities  (23%)
3. Go to a movie  (12%)
4. Go shopping   (12%)
5. Go to a concert or other event  (9%)

About the survey: Ipsos conducted an online poll of 1,028 adult Canadian (18+ years old) in late August and weighted the results to be representative of the Canadian population.  Results are considered accurate within +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. 

The full report from CRFA is available online at http://crfa.ca/pdf/ipsos_report.pdf

For further information: For further information:

Prasanthi Vasanthakumar, CRFA Communications Specialist, 416-649-4254 or [e-mail]