National Food Service Employee Day is an annual celebration dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the hard-working individuals in the food service industry. This special day honors everyone from servers and cooks to dishwashers and managers who ensure our dining experiences are enjoyable.
Quick Facts
When is it?: September 25th annually
Tagged as: Food & Drink, Thanks & Appreciation, Work & Career
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalFoodServiceEmployeesDay
When was it founded?: 1977
Who founded it?: President Jimmy Carter
History of National Food Service Employee Day
The practice of food service as a business traces back to the 11th century, starting with guilds that passed down specialized knowledge to apprentices. Before modern restaurants, inns served travelers along roads, offering both lodging and meals at common tables without menus.
Timeline
- Ancient Egypt: First recorded public eating establishments
- 11th Century: Chinese eating establishments emerge
- 16th Century: Japanese tea houses appear
- 17th Century: First Paris café opens
- 20th Century: Modern restaurant industry develops
- 1977: Official recognition as National Food Service Employee Day
Dates 2025-2030
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 25 | Thursday |
| 2026 | September 25 | Friday |
| 2027 | September 25 | Saturday |
| 2028 | September 25 | Monday |
| 2029 | September 25 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | September 25 | Wednesday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by dining out, leaving generous tips, writing thank-you notes, and showing appreciation to food service workers. Many restaurants offer special recognition to their employees through events and rewards.
Fun Facts About Food Service
- The food service industry is the second-largest industry in the United States
- Over 362,695 food service workers serve in America
- Women make up 63.4% of food service workers
- The restaurant industry generates billions in annual sales
- Food service workers serve approximately 24 million meals annually in healthcare facilities alone
Quiz
- Q: How many types of food contamination exist?
- A: Three – biological, chemical, and physical
FAQs
- Who are food service workers?
Includes waiters, counter attendants, dining room staff, hosts, fast food workers, and kitchen assistants - What do food service assistants do?
Prepare and serve food, maintain clean environments, monitor stock levels, and ensure food safety
Related Days
- National Waitstaff Day (May 21)
- Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week (October)
- Restaurant Workers Day (October 24)
- Employee Appreciation Day (March)
- National Cooking Day