Letter to Jackson Hewitt regarding radio advertisement

Michael Lister
President
Jackson Hewitt, Inc.
7 Sylvan Way
Parsippany, NJ 07054

August 27, 2003

Dear Mr. Lister:

I am writing to express my grave concerns regarding your advertising campaign aimed at recruiting young people to attend Jackson Hewitt® Tax School that I believe reflects unfavorably on the nation's 11.7 million restaurant-industry employees. I was offended by the short-sighted portrayal of restaurant staff in one of the campaign's radio commercials, currently airing in Wyoming.

Specifically, the ad depicts a young man named Roy, who held a restaurant job before enrolling in Jackson Hewitt Tax School, implying restaurant jobs are demeaning and low-paying. It is my strong belief that the tone of the commercial misrepresents the rewarding careers abundant in the restaurant-and-hospitality industry, and is an insult to the millions of Americans who have chosen a career therein.

The restaurant industry is a wonderful place to work—for a year or for a career. It provides job opportunities for millions of hard-working Americans, and for many, it provides a first job opportunity, basic job skills, flexible hours, a fun work atmosphere, and benefits, such as health insurance and 401K plans.

In addition, the restaurant industry offers countless opportunities for advancement and the dream of owning one's own business. Our research shows that nine out of 10 salaried restaurant employees started as hourly employees. And, many employees learn the skills needed to own their own business or obtain other executive-level industry jobs.

Restaurants take pride in being the cornerstone of career and employment opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The industry is also the country's largest private-sector employer and a gateway to success. I hope that for future campaigns, you will portray the restaurant-and-hospitality industry for what it truly represents—opportunity.

Sincerely,

Steven C. Anderson
President and Chief Executive Officer
National Restaurant Association