Multiple food and beverage giants are cutting jobs as margin pressure, automation, and shifting consumer behavior force a painful reset. Experts warn that rolling layoffs and “quiet cuts” may define 2026 as companies restructure.
A sweeping U.S. visa freeze across 75 countries signals deeper turbulence in global labor mobility. Food and beverage leaders may face fresh uncertainty as immigration scrutiny tightens and long term workforce pipelines grow less predictable.
Inflation, labor shortages, and rising costs are squeezing foodservice hiring, with 2025 job projections hitting a 15-year low. Operators are turning to tech and retention strategies to weather the storm.
As automation and cost-cutting drive sweeping F&B layoffs, experts urge job seekers to sharpen their networking, recruiter outreach, and LinkedIn tactics. Even execs must rethink how they navigate today’s volatile hiring landscape.
