The ever-increasing number of eateries is putting a serious strain on labor. To combat a continual worker shortage, more restaurants will be cross-training workers and more diverse concepts will come to market, say the industry's experts, who are calling for nearly a 7% jump in sales this year. The industry is expected to post sales of $26.4 billion by year's end.

Austin-San Marcos diners will outspend the state by paying $1,940 each to eat out, says the association. In San Antonio, the annual dining out tab is expected to hit $1,858 and Galveston, $1,774. A Dallas diner will spend $1,636 this year, while a Ft. Worth resident will lay out $1,560. The university town of Bryan-College Station will realize $1,476 per patron annually; Houston, $1,376; and the Lubbock area, $1,351.

Houston, which will add up to 90,000 jobs this year, will be the state's big gainer. It is expected to rake in $5.7 billion or 7.5% more this year in sales. In Dallas, restaurant owners are bracing for a record year, hoping to ring up $5.6 billion for a 10.9% increase over last year.

The state's fastest-growing restaurant market is Austin-San Marcos, aided by the high-tech workforce, says the association. The 2001 sales total in the state capital is expected to jump 13%. Texarkana will run a close second with 12.4% growth and Bryan-College Station, 11%.

"The restaurant has become the dinner table for many Texans," says Richie Jackson, the association's executive vice president and CEO. The association represents more than 50,000 eateries and a 620,000-member workforce.

Instant Insights /

More Diverse Eateries, More Cross-trained Workers on 2001 Menu

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