JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the hospitality industry has added 5.4 million jobs over the past year, but it’s still 2.8 million jobs behind what it was in February of 2020.
But there’s a job fair in north Florida trying to close the gap by hiring for 1,000 open positions on Tuesday.
The Salty Pelican in Fernandina Beach is one of those restaurants in need of help.
“Definitely back-of-the-house, which is anywhere from line cooks to dish washers to prep cooks,” said Jeremy Ferry, a manager at Salty Pelican.
“We’re always looking to fill food runner and host positions as well.”
The restaurant was already proving to be a popular local spot during the Saturday brunch hour, with more than 30 parties on the waitlist.
Ferry says the restaurant’s senior employees are helping to make it work.
“I would consider us one of the more fortunate businesses,” he said. “Yes, scheduling has been tight, but we haven’t had to make any changes as far as how we operate the restaurant.”
Aside from the Salty Pelican, dozens of other businesses across North Florida are looking to fill positions, from entry-level all the way up to management.
That’s why they’re all banding together to host four job fairs on Tuesday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:
- Fernandina Beach — Atlantic Auditorium at Atlantic Recreation Center (2500 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034)
- Jacksonville — Markets of Town Center at Prati Italia (4972 Big Island Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32246)
- Jacksonville Beach — Four Points by Sheraton Jacksonville Beachfront (11 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250)
- St. Augustine — Holiday Inn Express & Suites (2300 FL-16, St. Augustine, FL 32084)
Ferry says filling some positions would make a big difference.
“We don’t want people to have to burn out or work more than five days a week,” he explained. “So far, we’ve been able to pull that off but as we get busier going into summertime, that becomes a little more challenging.”
He hopes people will consider joining their staff.
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“[We are a] family, tight-knit group,” he emphasized. “The owners have created a culture here where they put their employee first so one of their main concerns is the happiness of the employee and that they’re comfortable working here.”
The Bread and Board in Jacksonville is also hiring for the following positions at all locations:
- Dishwasher
- Line Cook
- Sous Chefs
- Bread Bakers
- Pastry Chef
- Waiters
- Bartenders
- Hosts
- Baristas
- Customer Service
- Events Coordinator
- Catering Coordinator
Applicants can reach out to their public relations team at +1 (423) 463-8162.
For more information on Tuesday’s job fair, click here.
Cox Media Group
