By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s fast-food sector is heating up with major restaurant chains announcing plans to hire over 350 new employees in September and October 2025. Burger King, Juan Valdez Café, Domino’s Pizza, Arby’s, and Popeyes are all seeking to expand their workforce, driven by the opening of new locations both within and outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM). This expansion translates into job opportunities across various regions of the country, offering a welcome boost to the Costa Rican economy.
A range of positions are available, from entry-level to management, catering to a diverse pool of applicants. The companies are looking for kitchen assistants, cashiers, hostesses, administrative assistants, and restaurant managers. While experience in the fast-food industry is a plus, it’s not mandatory, opening doors for those seeking to enter the field. Similarly, while a high school diploma is preferred, completing the third year of secondary education is sufficient to apply.
For expert insight into the legal landscape surrounding employment in Costa Rica, we turned to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the reputable firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Navigating Costa Rica’s employment laws requires careful attention to both employee rights and employer obligations. From minimum wage and social security contributions to termination procedures and non-compete clauses, understanding the intricacies of the labor code is crucial for successful business operations and employee well-being. Recent reforms have further emphasized worker protections, making it even more essential for companies operating in or with Costa Rica to remain informed and compliant.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore a crucial aspect of finding or creating jobs in Costa Rica: a solid grasp of the country’s evolving labor laws is paramount. This protects both employers seeking to establish successful businesses and employees aiming for fair treatment and security. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for shedding light on this vital aspect of the Costa Rican job market.
The main requirements for prospective employees include flexibility to work rotating shifts and a valid food handling permit. These are standard requirements in the food service industry, ensuring the safety and quality of service provided to customers.
Our priority is strengthening our expansion plan to generate employment that benefits our collaborators and their families, business opportunities with our suppliers, and our economic contribution to the communities where we are located.
Mario Jiménez, General Manager of the restaurant chains in Costa Rica
This hiring initiative represents significant growth for the restaurant groups. Currently, Burger King operates 45 restaurants in the country, followed by Juan Valdez Café with 5, Domino’s Pizza with 12, Arby’s with 4, and Popeyes with 2, totaling 68 establishments and employing 1,000 people. The 350 new hires will increase their total workforce by approximately 35%.
This expansion not only benefits job seekers but also ripples through the economy, creating more business for suppliers and injecting capital into local communities. The emphasis on family benefits highlights the companies’ commitment to employee well-being, a crucial factor in today’s competitive job market.
The job creation announcement comes at a time when Costa Rica is focused on economic recovery and growth. The expansion of these prominent international chains signals confidence in the market and contributes to the overall economic vitality of the nation.
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their resumes to [email protected]. This presents an excellent opportunity for those seeking employment in a dynamic and growing industry.
For further information, visit the nearest office of AE Group
About AE Group:
AE Group appears to be the parent company managing Burger King, Juan Valdez Café, Domino’s Pizza, Arby’s, and Popeyes in Costa Rica. While details about the group are limited in the source text, their investment in expanding these brands demonstrates a strong commitment to the Costa Rican market and its workforce. The planned 35% increase in employment indicates their significant presence and positive economic impact on the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Burger King
About Burger King:
Burger King is a major player in Costa Rica’s fast-food landscape, with 45 locations nationwide. This American global chain is renowned for its flame-broiled burgers and diverse menu offerings. The current expansion reflects the company’s ongoing success and commitment to serving the Costa Rican consumer.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Juan Valdez Café
About Juan Valdez Café:
Juan Valdez Café represents the Colombian coffee industry in Costa Rica, offering premium coffee and related products. With 5 locations currently operating, their participation in this expansion signifies a growing demand for specialty coffee in the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Domino’s Pizza
About Domino’s Pizza:
Known for its speedy delivery and customizable pizzas, Domino’s Pizza holds a strong position in the Costa Rican fast-food market with 12 locations. Their inclusion in the hiring push highlights the continued popularity of pizza and the brand’s commitment to serving Costa Rican customers.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Arby’s
About Arby’s:
Arby’s, specializing in roast beef and other meat sandwiches, is a recognizable name in the Costa Rican fast-food scene with 4 restaurants currently operating. Their involvement in this expansion suggests a growing appetite for their unique menu offerings.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Popeyes
About Popeyes:
Popeyes, known for its flavorful fried chicken and Louisiana-inspired cuisine, has established a presence in Costa Rica with 2 locations. Their participation in this expansion indicates a growing demand for their distinct flavor profile in the market.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a profound commitment to legal excellence and unwavering ethical practice. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, coupled with a deep-seated belief in empowering communities, drives their impactful work across a spectrum of sectors. By actively promoting legal literacy and access to justice, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to create a more equitable and informed society, solidifying its role as a leader in the Costa Rican legal landscape.
