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Bars and restaurants in Rio have created 19 new jobs in the last five years.
Published on 23/03/2026 - 17:21 | Updated
Rio de Janeiro has 5,8 bars and restaurants, responsible for the formal employment of 65,6 workers. Photo: Rafael Catarcione
A bohemian city, Rio de Janeiro created 18,9 new formal jobs in the bar and restaurant sector over the last five years (2021-2025). This number comes from a survey conducted by the Rio de Janeiro City Hall, through the Municipal Secretariat of Economic Development (SMDE) and Riotur.
"This sector of our economy is strong because it's part of Rio's culture to sit in a bar and get together with friends for a chat. Besides Rio being a bohemian city, we are attracting more and more tourists who consume in these establishments and help boost the market, generating opportunities," explains Osmar Lima, the municipal secretary of Economic Development.
The study indicates that Rio de Janeiro has 5,8 bars and restaurants, responsible for the formal employment of 65,6 workers. These professionals in the sector have a combined annual payroll of R$1,9 billion.
Data from the survey shows that bars and restaurants account for 4,1% of establishments and 2,6% of formal jobs in Rio. Nationally, the sector's share is lower: 3,1% of establishments and 1,6% of formal jobs. In a national comparison, Rio concentrates 3,1% of Brazil's bars and restaurants and 4,5% of the sector's jobs.
– The strength of bars and restaurants in Rio translates into much more than just numbers: they reflect a lifestyle that is part of the Carioca identity and one of the great drivers of tourism in the city. When we talk about a payroll of R$1,9 billion and thousands of jobs generated, we are talking about a sector that drives the economy, strengthens the culture and enhances the experience of those who visit Rio.
The survey was conducted based on data from Caged and the Annual Social Information Report, both from the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE).
