U.S. restaurants have been on a hiring binge in recent years, far outpacing the rest of the economy. But their appetite for more employees looks to be waning.
McDonald’s Corp. and Subway Restaurants, two of the largest fast-food chains in North America, have cut back on new-store openings and closed some locations. Supermarkets including Kroger Co. are pushing prepared foods, while meal kits are making it cheaper and easier for people to eat at home. Wendy’s Co. and McDonald’s plan to install hundreds of digital ordering kiosks by year-end to boost sales as labor costs rise.
