As with any economic downturn, some regions seem to have better job opportunities than others.

        According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2008 Restaurant Industry Forecast, national growth in restaurant jobs is expected to be about 0.9 percent per year from 2008 to 2018. But some states are predicted to grow at much faster rates. Florida expects to add a total of 207,800 jobs in the next 10 years, for a 2.1-percent annual-growth rate. Arizona expects to add 78,100 jobs, for a 2.4-percent annual-growth rate. Nevada plans to add 50,600 jobs, for a 2.3-percent annual-growth rate.

        It might be tempting to move to another state to find a job, but do some research before you start packing.

        Rick Kunkel, a certified personnel consultant with the Georgia and South Carolina offices of the recruiting firm Gecko Hospitality, says restaurant managers are moving from depressed areas to areas with better job opportunities. He says the challenge is that managers often must be able to relocate themselves.

        “The days of companies paying for relocating managers has subsided greatly,” he says. “However, some companies do pay for a Ryder truck and gasoline.”

        He adds that some employers are more interested in hiring a manager who has a compelling reason to move to that region, such as aging parents or the desire to return to a hometown.

        His advice: Expect to pay for your own move and be able to travel at your own cost for the interviews.

        “Make yourself available for an interview around the company’s schedule, not your schedule,” he says. “Have a specific time frame for moving. Managers who are not ready to move now are often put aside in the process by the company.”

        Paul Hartgen, former president and chief executive of the Nevada Restaurant Association, says people move for all job levels, in restaurants and hotels.
        “We are adding 45,000 rooms in the next five years,” he says. “Also, there are a lot of people coming here and opening restaurant franchises, as opposed to starting something from scratch.”

        Tourism is still strong in Las Vegas, Reno and Lake Tahoe, he says, because the dollar is weak and visitors are coming in from other countries. Las Vegas even boasts direct flights to Korea, London and other places.

        Hartgen’s advice is to research a town and its jobs before moving.

        “Do you want to be in a union or nonunion operation, in a hotel or restaurant, independent or chain, on The Strip or off The Strip?” he says.
        Also, decide whether you like the weather and the lifestyle. Nevada is known for its gambling towns, but there are also opportunities to ski, climb and engage in other outdoor activities. Also, check real estate prices and figure out where you can afford to live.

        Shortly after this interview, Hartgen also was moving to take the president and chief executive post for the Restaurant Association of Maryland.

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