Hiring and keeping great employees is a major challenge for restaurants today. With so many job options out there, how do you find the right people?

And more importantly, how do you get them to stay?

Kura Sushi, a fast-growing sushi restaurant chain, has found a way to make it work.

Heading into 2025, they have a major growth plan, opening 12 new locations.

This would mean nearly a 20% expansion into their U.S. footprint.

Thus, meaning they need a strong restaurant staffing strategy to support their growth.

Recently, Kura Sushi’s Chief People Officer, Arlene Estrada Petokas, shared their secrets.

Here are the biggest takeaways from their recruiting and retaining staff process.

A Unique Restaurant with a Big Growth Plan

Kura Sushi isn’t your typical restaurant. It’s known for its revolving sushi belts, robot servers, and fun dining experience. With such a unique concept, it makes for an exciting atmosphere for both customers and employees!

Right now, Kura Sushi has 73 locations across 20 states—but they’re expanding fast. With 12 new locations coming soon. This has placed a high emphasis on hiring and training employees quickly.

What makes the situation even more interesting is that the brand is more established overseas, with more than 500 locations globally. The US is an expansion play for Kura Sushi.

But hiring in new markets isn’t easy.

Many people don’t know about Kura Sushi yet in new US-based regions.

Wherever that is the case, the brand has a checklist of actions that includes:….

• Use social media to show what it’s like to work there.
• Update their website with hiring videos and company information.
• Work with marketing teams to build brand awareness.
• Research new areas to understand the local job market.

Training Employees the Right Way

Hiring the right people is only half the battle—you also need to train them well so they succeed.

Kura Sushi has a strong training program that helps employees learn the skills they need. Some methods to getting new employees up and running are:

• Using market research and real estate insights for staffing.
• Grassroots recruiting strategies and NSO (New Store Opening) workbooks.
• Timing the hiring process for sustained applicant flow in line when the unit is actually scheduled to open.

The Future of Restaurant Staffing Strategy

The restaurant industry is always evolving.

So, it’s no surprise that brands must adapt to attract and keep top talent.

Kura Sushi has recognized these shifts.

Additionally, they continue to refine staffing strategiesc to stay ahead.

Some of their key workforce initiatives include:

• Flexible scheduling to help employees maintain a work-life balance.
• Mental health and well-being support as part of their benefits package.
• Competitive pay and perks to ensure they remain an attractive employer.
• Ongoing training and career development to encourage long-term employee growth.

Kura Sushi stays proactive and listens to their team.

As a result, they build a workforce that is both committed and engaged.

This helps them expand while maintaining a strong company culture.

Conclusion

Despite competition, Kura Sushi proves that recruiting and retaining great employees is possible.

Their success? It comes from :

• Leveraging social media and marketing to attract top talent.
• Investing in training programs to set employees up for success.
• Maintaining open communication to ensure employees feel valued.
• Creating clear career growth opportunities to keep employees engaged.
• Staying competitive with pay and benefits to reduce turnover.

By prioritizing these strategies, restaurants can build strong, reliable teams.

And more important than that, it’s a team that supports long-term success.