Webinar/Podcast
Restaurant Careers Reimagined
Shifting Perceptions from the Inside Out – Supported by JazzHR
The restaurant industry does more than create jobs; it builds careers—and futures.
Join the National Restaurant Association, Oct. 1, 2 p.m. ET, for an engaging discussion on first jobs and careers in the restaurant industry and the findings from our just-released 2026 Made in Restaurants: Industry Careers in America report.
Moderated by Chad Moutray, the Association’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research, the webinar will explore how the restaurant industry equips people with the leadership, problem-solving, and customer service skills that drive success within the restaurant industry and other professions.
Panelists, including leaders from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Taco John’s, Bluegrass Hospitality Group, and hiring platform JazzHR, will address the significance of the report’s findings on perceptions of restaurant careers, why those perceptions matter, and how employers can effectively tell the story of the industry's role as one of America's great talent developers.
The webinar will share the insights of these industry leaders and highlight how restaurants create successful pathways to lifelong careers, preparing millions of employees with transferable skills that benefit them wherever their professional journeys lead them.
**Please note: After this webinar takes place, it will be available for on demand viewing. Please register even if you cannot attend the live presentation. You will receive a link to the on demand presentation where you can watch at your leisure.
Key Takeaways
- Main findings from the new career perceptions report
- How restaurant work cultivates leadership and workplace skills that transfer across industries
- How leading restaurant companies are investing in workforce development and the industry’s future generations of talent
- Practical insights for communicating the value of restaurant careers to employees, job seekers, and the broader public Register today!
Register Here to Watch Recorded Webinar
About the Presenters:
Chad Moutray
Senior Vice President, Industry Research And Knowledge, and Chief Economist, National Restaurant Association
Chad Moutray is chief economist and senior vice president for industry research and knowledge and chief economist at the National Restaurant Association. Previously, he served as chief economist at the National Association of Manufacturers (2011–2024) and at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy (2002–2010). He began his career as dean of the School of Business Administration at Robert Morris College in Chicago. Dr. Moutray holds a Ph.D. in economics from Southern Illinois University and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Illinois University. In addition to his role at the NRA, Dr. Moutray is an adjunct professor at George Washington University, where he teaches econometrics in the M.S. in the applied economics program.
Katie Laudick
Chief People Officer, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants
Katie Laudick is the Chief People Officer and Operating Partner at Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR), focusing on adding new talent to the company’s associates-first culture, overseeing the training team, as well as lifting up current associates to succeed.
Laudick is eager to bring out-of-the-box ideas to CMR’s strong cultural foundation in hopes to connect all levels of the company and encourage growth.
After joining the CMR family as a server when she was 20 years old, Laudick eventually accepted a human resources internship at the home office in 2001. She has since held various roles in human resources including, most recently, Vice President and has helped shape the team into what it is today through her dedication and focus on self-development.
Laudick is grateful for the opportunity to work for CMR and appreciates the flexibility the company provides her, both professionally and personally. In 2009, Laudick was recognized for her hard work and received the prestigious Cameron Mitchell Award. She also was a critical component of the human resources team that helped them win Columbus CEO’s HR Excellence Award in 2018.
When asked the greatest lesson she has learned in her professional career, Laudick responded: “To always remember to slow down and seek first to understand. Don’t move too quickly to make a decision. You might miss half the details if you don’t slow down to better understand the situation or other perspectives.”
Laudick currently resides in Upper Arlington with her husband, Kevin and kids, Taylor and Cooper. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, gardening, playing tennis, cooking and spending time with family.
Damian Hanft
Vice President, People & Enterprise Ops, Taco John's
Damian Hanft joined Taco John’s in April 2025 as Vice President, Human Resources. Damian was most recently with Inspire Brands, where he served as head of talent and played a key role in shaping the team member experience. He has held leadership positions in talent management, learning and development, human resources, labor relations, and training. Damian currently serves on the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation and as an advisory board member for the Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance (MFHA). He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin. Damian is a dedicated supporter of Share Our Strength and has participated in five 200-mile Chefs Cycle rides
