National foodservice supplier Jetro Restaurant Depot saves 1.8 million and speeds up hiring processes using UKG Rapid Hire technology

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Jetro Restaurant Depot, one of the nation’s leading foodservice suppliers, has reported a major milestone in operational efficiency and cost savings after implementing UKG Rapid Hire, a mobile- and AI-first solution designed for high-volume, frontline hiring. The national wholesale supplier, which operates 165 locations across 35 states and employs over 10,500 team members, has managed to reduce annual sourcing and onboarding costs by $1.8 million in 2025 alone, with projections of saving $2.2 million annually going forward. The move comes as Jetro continues its expansion, planning to open an additional 11 stores by 2027.

The company faced significant hiring challenges during the pandemic, when it was deemed an essential business. Recruiting sufficient staff for roles such as cashiers, shelve stockers, and drivers proved increasingly difficult. Previously, Jetro relied on multiple sourcing and onboarding platforms, which not only complicated the hiring process but also drove up costs considerably. “From 2020 to 2024, we were paying an average of over $2.2 million a year to source candidates, plus a combined $240,000 for our onboarding platform and job postings. We knew there had to be a better way,” said Kavir Singh, HR Director and Assistant Controller at Jetro Restaurant Depot. “We saw significant results after piloting the solution and went live in all locations in January 2025.”

UKG Rapid Hire has dramatically streamlined Jetro’s hiring process. The AI-driven system efficiently sources candidates, automatically screens for policy compliance — such as verifying legal hiring age requirements — and accelerates onboarding, reducing administrative burdens for managers. This has enabled HR teams and store managers to dedicate more time to engaging qualified candidates rather than juggling paperwork and manual processes. Singh notes that the system has significantly improved time-to-hire metrics, ensuring the company can maintain its staffing pace even as the business grows.

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“For non-background check positions, it’s the most efficient we’ve had in the entire history of the company. The process from application to onboarding is now faster than ever, and both the number and quality of applicants has increased,” Singh said. “We’re currently onboarding 140 to 160 employees per week, maintaining or exceeding our previous hiring pace without relying on secondary platforms.”

The efficiency gains have also allowed Jetro to reinvest in employee development and operational improvements. The company recently upgraded its learning center, enhancing training resources for new and current staff. It is also exploring further automation in time and attendance management to streamline processes even further. According to Singh, store HR administrators and frontline managers have responded positively to the ease of use and adaptability of UKG Rapid Hire.

“It’s very simple, very user friendly. The new people who come on, it’s so easy for them to catch on and use the solution. The UKG team is nimble and quick to make changes and accommodate our requests. Their support is the best we’ve ever experienced,” Singh said.

The implementation of UKG Rapid Hire has underscored how technology can transform high-volume hiring operations while generating measurable returns on investment. By integrating human capital management with workforce management, UKG Rapid Hire provides a holistic solution that combines people data with real-time insights, giving organizations like Jetro the ability to anticipate staffing needs and scale efficiently.

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“Jetro Restaurant Depot is a powerful example of how the right technology can deliver measurable ROI, transform hiring operations, and find the best people for the job,” said Amy Brar, Vice President of Product Management at UKG. “UKG Rapid Hire unites high-volume hiring, HCM, and workforce management in one intelligent platform that connects people data with real-time workforce insights to help organizations hire smarter, anticipate staffing needs, and build teams that succeed now and in the future. For organizations hiring quickly and at scale, this unique level of integration and intelligence is beyond helpful — it’s essential.”

As Jetro continues to grow, the company sees UKG Rapid Hire as a critical tool for maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring that stores remain fully staffed with qualified employees. By reducing costs, accelerating hiring timelines, and providing a user-friendly system for both managers and new hires, Jetro is positioning itself to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding foodservice supply network.

The success of the implementation highlights a broader trend in the foodservice and retail industries, where high-volume, frontline hiring is increasingly challenging. Organizations that leverage AI-driven tools like UKG Rapid Hire can gain a competitive edge, ensuring that they not only attract top talent but also retain and develop employees effectively.

For Jetro, the benefits are clear. Cost savings, faster hiring, improved employee onboarding experiences, and enhanced operational efficiency are all contributing to a stronger, more agile workforce. As the company opens new locations and continues its mission to supply restaurants and foodservice businesses across the U.S., UKG Rapid Hire will remain a cornerstone of its strategy to hire smarter, streamline operations, and drive long-term growth.

In an era where competition for talent is fierce, Jetro’s experience demonstrates the power of combining AI, automation, and human-centered design to meet workforce demands. With hundreds of new employees joining the company each week, the investment in intelligent hiring technology is not just paying off financially, but also ensuring that both managers and staff have the tools they need to succeed.

By adopting a forward-thinking approach and embracing innovation, Jetro Restaurant Depot has set a new standard for how high-volume employers can manage hiring at scale while controlling costs and maintaining a high level of service for employees and customers alike.