In light of the weak economy and recent terrorist acts,
what does the future--short and long term--of the food
industry and culinary careers look like? Is anyone in
the industry feeling the repercussions? I am
considering a culinary career, but not so sure now. Any
comments would be appreciated.

The economy goes up and the economy goes down. Over the, Oh my Goodness!, 30 years since I started, I have always been able to get a job.

The slow down of the economy was being felt already through out the industry and I am sure the ripple effects of last weeks events have and well be felt for sometime.

What ever the outlook for the economy is you can be assured. People will always eat. The tend for people to cook for themselves less and less will continue.

Our occupation is practically recession-proof. A chef or cook in the United States is assured of at least a minimum wage job for as along as one is able to work. Everything has its upside- even long hours and low wages.

Without doubt People gotta eat but,...
Be that as it may, some of the jobs right now are not exactly "Career-Wise". I plan to lay off at least half of my staff within two weeks, and when the time comes to Bounce Back, people with knowledge and experience will have priority over rookies. Whatever you're studying, be sure to have some sort of alternative plan available to fall back on

That is excellent advise for any industry.