Khaberni - More than 12 million people work in the restaurant and bar sector in the United States.
Dishwashers occupy one of the lowest ranks in this job, but they are among the most in-demand positions.
Last year, American restaurant owners announced tens of thousands of dishwashing jobs, making it one of the most desirable positions in this sector, according to the market analytics firm "Lightcast".
The stricter immigration procedures adopted by President Donald Trump's administration exacerbate the situation in the American restaurant sector, where foreign workers make up about 20% of the jobs.
Industry officials have noted that young people are becoming more reluctant to enter the labor market, which was traditionally considered their starting point.
This adds pressure on industry leaders, as Chris Tomasso, CEO of the "First Watch" restaurant group—which includes 630 branches—said that one of his major concerns is providing enough outstanding talent. He added, "It is a challenging situation, but it is crucial."
Rick Cardenas, CEO of Darden Restaurants, the parent company of the Olive Garden restaurant chain, expressed that dishwashers are his biggest concern regarding employment.
In Union Square Hospitality Group, based in New York City, which manages Union Square Cafe and Gramercy Tavern, CEO Chip Wade agrees with this view, as the company offers family meals and discounts to help retain dishwashers.
Kura Sushi chain even imports automated dishwashers from Japan for $15,000 each to alleviate the pressure.
The average salary for dishwashers is about $32,500 annually, placing them within the lower third of restaurant jobs, according to the employment platform Indeed.
They are essential workers, often the last to leave the restaurant at night, after cleaning the floors and taking out the trash.
Thorough cleaning
According to a report by "The Financial Times", the restaurant and related services sector records the highest resignation rates compared to any other sector tracked by the federal government.
Market research firm "Black Box Intelligence" estimated that the cost of replacing an hourly restaurant worker reaches $2,700, compared to $2,300 in 2024.
As the newspaper highlighted, Jaime Patton spent five years washing dishes at various restaurants in the Tucson, Arizona area.
Sometimes, his colleagues would throw dishes, managers would yell at him, and he was left alone to clean all the dishes and kitchen utensils after the restaurant closed.
He says, "Dishwashing is never a profession I would recommend to anyone who has other options."
The "First Watch" restaurant chain says its employee turnover rate is below the industry average, and it has decreased last year.
However, CEO Tomasso explained that the turnover rate among dishwashers is higher compared to other positions.
About 5% of the 1,557 dishwashers at "First Watch" have been with the chain for more than five years, and the company says it provides hourly employees with career development plans to help them advance.
Tomasso says: "It is hard work, and the kitchen is hot. I started as a dishwasher, and I know what that means."
The average wage for dishwashers at "First Watch" is $17.21 per hour, with the company providing meals and rest periods for employees working extra hours beyond their usual six-hour shifts.
By 10 a.m., the waiters at the Geneva branch were carrying stacks of coffee cups, dishes, serrated knives, and tableware.
Fermín, a full-time dishwasher at "First Watch", said he enjoys his colleagues' company and having taco sandwiches for breakfast during his shifts, but he doesn't mind cleaning the spice containers.
Before putting them in the dishwasher, he soaks and scrubs them to remove the toughest jam and sauce residues.
Continuous decrease
54% of sit-down service restaurants surveyed by the National Restaurant Association reported that the number of applicants for kitchen support jobs was below average last year.
Michelle Korsmo, president of the association, said that the Trump administration's tightening of immigration procedures does not contribute to improving the situation.
She added, "Even for restaurant owners who use the E-Verify system and comply with all the procedures, there is a real concern about ensuring everyone's safety and not inadvertently getting involved in any trouble."
Restaurant unions are pressuring the White House and Congress to create a visa program for low-skilled migrant workers.
Korsmo mentioned that she based this on legislators' own experiences in the restaurant sector, like Senate Majority Leader John Thune, whose first job was a cleaner in a restaurant in South Dakota.
She noted that young people have long been a source of affordable labor in kitchens, but the number of workers aged 16 to 24 is decreasing these days.
Kevin Murphy, a professor of Restaurant Management at the University of Central Florida, who has spent years managing restaurants, said many young people are immersed in social media and other activities, adding, "It doesn't motivate them to work."
