Tilman Fertitta Warns AI Will Eliminate 70% of Restaurant Jobs by 2035—Here’s How He Is Preparing His Empire
Houston, TX – In a stark prediction that has sent shockwaves through the hospitality industry, billionaire restaurateur and Landry’s CEO Tilman Fertitta is forecasting a technological revolution that will permanently reshape the dining experience. Speaking exclusively to a select group of industry analysts this week, Fertitta—often called the “King of Hospitality”—projected that within the next ten years, artificial intelligence and automation will replace up to 70% of entry-level restaurant jobs, including hosts, cashiers, and line cooks.
“This isn’t a theory. This is a guarantee,” Fertitta said. “The model that built my empire—personal service, brick-and-mortar density, and human touch—is going to look completely different by 2035.”
Fertitta, who oversees a vast portfolio including Morton’s Steakhouse, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and the Golden Nugget casinos, is already positioning for the shift. According to internal documents obtained by industry insiders, his company is piloting a proprietary AI-driven backend system that automates inventory ordering, scheduling, and even menu optimization in real-time. The long-term plan involves a 50% reduction in human labor across his casual dining chains, redirecting retained workers toward high-touch, high-margin roles.
The announcement has ignited a firestorm on social media, with critics accusing Fertitta of prioritizing profit over people. However, the billionaire remains unapologetic, stating that the change is inevitable and those who fail to adapt will be left behind. “I’m not the villain; I’m the realist,” he declared. “If you want to protect jobs, you need to retrain the workforce now.”
Economists are divided, with some praising Fertitta’s foresight and others warning of a “service apocalypse