Restaurant Industry Statistics

“Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness,” said Auguste Escoffier. And while that’s still true in 2025, the restaurant industry is about much more than food.

Owners must navigate evolving consumer needs, technological advances, and rising cost of labor while staying competitive. You must meet new customer expectations, stay ahead of trends, and navigate a rapidly changing industry.

What are diners looking for in 2025? How are operators adapting to meet these expectations? And what trends are shaping the future of the food service industry? The answers lie in restaurant industry statistics and insights.

This blog aggregates the most relevant industry statistics for 2025, providing a deeper dive into the numbers behind restaurants, fast food establishments, and food services.

Restaurant industry overview

The restaurant and food service industry has long been a pillar of the economy, providing essential jobs and fueling local growth. Whether it is bustling eating hubs in California or cozy dining spots in Washington, the sector caters to diverse consumers while creating opportunities for workers across the country.

The restaurant industry is experiencing significant shifts in 2025. Here are 10 key statistics highlighting current trends:

1. The restaurant industry workforce is expected to expand by 200,000 jobs, bringing total employment to 15.9 million by the end of the year. (Source)
2. Consumer preferences continue to evolve, with 64% of full-service restaurant customers and 47% of limited-service restaurant customers prioritizing their overall dining experience over meal prices. (Source)
3. 90% of fine dining operators and 87% of casual dining operators are focusing on strengthening on-premises dining as a key business strategy. (Source)
4. Nine out of ten adults enjoy dining out, emphasizing the restaurant industry's strong role in social experiences and consumer lifestyles. (Source)
5. As much as 26% of restaurant operators identified food and inventory costs as their primary financial challenge in 2024. (Source)
6. A survey indicates that 98% of full-service restaurant operators reported increased labor costs as a significant concern impacting their operations. (Source)
7. According to the 2025 State of Restaurants Report, 47% of restaurants increased their menu prices in 2024 to counter rising operational costs. (Source)
8. A survey found that 76% of restaurants planned to continue offering contactless payment solutions. (Source)
9. Digital ordering and delivery have increased 300% faster than dine-in traffic since 2014. (Source)

Top restaurant industry statistics 2025

The culinary industry in 2025 is full of opportunities. But to succeed, you need the right data. From how restaurateurs run their businesses to what people want on their plates, there’s a lot to know. We’ve compiled the latest statistics.

Global restaurant industry statistics

The restaurant and food service industry is booming worldwide in 2025! People are eating out more, technology is transforming how service restaurants work, and sustainability is becoming a bigger focus. Here are some US restaurant industry statistics that prove it:

1. In 2025, the food service industry is projected to achieve $1 trillion in sales for the first time since the pandemic. (Source)
2. Recruitment and retention have been identified as the top challenges for 32% of restaurant operators in 2025, reflecting broader trends in labor statistics. (Source)
3. At least once a week, 43% of diners choose takeout or delivery. (Source)
4. The industry is set to add approximately 200,000 jobs, pushing total employment to 15.7 million. (Source)
5. Independent establishments dominate the sector, with 70% of restaurants operating as single-unit businesses. (Source)
6. 78% of consumers favor restaurants that source their ingredients locally, highlighting the importance of sustainability in menus. (Source)
7. The spending on restaurants surpassed grocery shopping in October 2024, claiming 56.4% of the market share for the first time. (Source)
8. The restaurant building market size is expected to grow to $378.27 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. (Source)

Restaurant success statistics

Success in the culinary industry depends on efficient operations, customer satisfaction, and strategic planning. This section explores key industry statistics and data points on what makes restaurants thrive in 2025, from profit margins to consumer satisfaction metrics.

1. The global cloud kitchen market is expected to reach USD 176.4 billion by 2033, growing at a 9.5% CAGR from 2025 to 2033, as they provide a cost-effective model for food businesses focusing on delivery and takeout. (Source)
2. A report by Hospitality Insights reveals that implementing AI for personalization can boost repeat customers in restaurants by 15-25%, showing how technology is transforming customer satisfaction and loyalty. (Source)
3. American Express reported a 6% growth in card-member spending during the third quarter of 2024, with eating-out spending increasing by 7%, underlining the economic strength of the restaurant and foodservice industry. (Source)
4. Restaurant operators are projected to increase technology investments by 40%, focusing on tools that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. (Source)
5. About 38% of restaurants plan to automate operational activities to maximize staff efficiencies, reflecting trends in reducing the cost of labor and improving productivity. (Source)
6. Full-service restaurants reported an average profit margin of 9.8% in 2024, reflecting the financial health of this sector. (Source)
7. About 82% of operators experienced a 33% average increase in takeout and delivery sales in comparison to last year, highlighting the growing importance of off-premise eating. (Source)

Restaurant revenue statistics

How much are restaurants making in 2025? We’ve got the numbers, from sales trends to average earnings, to give you a clear picture of how the food service industry is performing.

1. In December 2024, eating and drinking places registered total sales of $96.9 billion, indicating a slight decrease from November but maintaining overall resilience in consumer spending. (Source)
2. The U.S. online food delivery market is expected to reach approximately $429.90 billion in 2025.  (Source)
3. Over 75% of people expect to reduce or maintain their overall spending in 2025, with discretionary expenses like eating out likely to be affected.(Source)
4. A report highlights that 61% of owners increased their menu prices in 2024 to cope with rising food expenses. (Source)
5. The compensation costs for civilian workers increased by 4.5% from June 2022 to June 2023, reflecting broader trends in rising cost of labor, which can be attributed to minimum wage hikes and shortage of employees. (Source)
6. Alcohol sales account for approximately 21% of total revenue in full-service restaurants, highlighting the critical role of beverage offerings in driving profitability. (Source)

Restaurant spending statistics

Do you know people spend more time outside food places than on groceries? We’ll show you the latest stats on where people are putting their money in 2025.

1. A survey indicates that 54% of Americans plan to increase their eating out frequency in 2025, which will likely lead to higher overall spending in the restaurant and food service industry sector. (Source)
2. Independent food places expect to see revenue growth as people increasingly seek unique eating experiences over chain options. (Source)
3. 14% of owners believe it is a good time to expand their businesses, the highest reading since June 2021. (Source)
4. 28% of owners (seasonally adjusted) plan capital outlays in the upcoming six months, marking the highest reading since January 2022 (Source)
5. FSR Magazine reports that in 2024, 51% of operators experienced a 1–5% increase in the cost of workers, while 41% saw increases between 6–14%. (Source)
6. Research from Harvard Business School indicates that a one-star increase in a restaurant’s Yelp rating correlates with a 5-9% increase in revenue. (Source)
7. Globally, 34% of diners plan to spend less on having food out, while only 19% intend to spend more. (Source)

Restaurant owner statistics

Restaurant ownership is evolving, with more entrepreneurs focusing on independent establishments and small business models. Get insights into the latest ownership trends and see how the restaurant and food service industry is changing for entrepreneurs in 2025.

1. A report says that 35% of small business owners reported unfilled job openings, marking a slight increase from the previous month, as staffing challenges continue to impact workers in the food service industry. (Source)
2. The total number of franchise establishments is expected to grow by 1.9% in 2024, adding more than 15,000 units to reach 821,000 in the U.S., highlighting steady growth in the restaurant and food service industry. (Source)
3. The average failure rate for restaurants is about 30%, but only 17% fail within their first year, indicating that new owners have better survival chances than commonly believed. (Source)
4. Pricing remains a significant factor for approximately 41% of guests, influencing restaurateurs’ pricing strategies and menu offerings in 2025. (Source)
5. Seattle's new minimum wage law of $20.76 per hour has forced at least five restaurants to close in early 2025, as owners find it financially unsustainable to operate under the increased cost of labor. (Source)
6. Employee turnover remains a significant challenge for restaurateurs, with full-service restaurants experiencing an average turnover rate of 26%. (Source)

Restaurant labor statistics

Hiring isn’t easy in 2025, and the cost of labor is rising.  Learn about the labor trends shaping the restaurant and food service industry in 2025 and what you can do to stay ahead.

1. About 81% of food place operators report having job openings that are difficult to fill, indicating a significant labor shortage in the industry. (Source)
2. As of December 2024, employment in eating and drinking places was more than 173,000 jobs (1.4%) above pre-pandemic levels, showing a positive trend in workforce recovery. (Source)
3. The full-service restaurant segment remains down by 212,000 jobs (4%) in comparison to pre-pandemic levels as of November 2024, highlighting uneven recovery across segments. (Source)
4. The labor costs typically account for 28–33% of total revenue in the culinary industry, with variations across segments such as fast casual (28.8%), quick-serve (31.6%), and casual dining (34%). (Source)
5. Almost 80.3% of employees in the hospitality and food service industries reported feeling burned out by their workloads. (Source)
6. A report says that 56% of restaurant employees value flexible scheduling, highlighting its importance in job satisfaction, retention, and improved training initiatives. (Source)
7. Nearly 45% of food place operators reported not having enough employees to meet existing customer needs, impacting service levels and revenue potential. (Source)
8. The National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index for May 2024 indicates that 57% of restaurant operators reported a decline in customer traffic compared to the same month in the past year, showing room for growth in strategic planning and operational data usage. (Source)
9. A 2024 report by 7shifts highlighted that 62% of restaurant employees consider flexible hours crucial for job satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance in the industry. (Source)

Fast casual restaurant statistics

The fast-casual segment continues to grow as it balances convenience with quality. Let’s check the numbers on sales growth, market share, and customer preferences in this thriving part of the restaurant and food service industry.

1. North America is expected to maintain its position as the largest market for fast casual restaurants, growing at a CAGR of 8.9% through 2033. (Source)
2. The standalone segment of fast-casual restaurants is predicted to exhibit a CAGR of 12.2%, driven by increasing consumer requirements for unique eating experiences. (Source)
3. The quick-service restaurant segment has shown a net increase of approximately 163,000 jobs (4%) above pre-pandemic levels, indicating a stronger recovery compared to full-service establishments. (Source)
4. 40% of diners most often order from fast-casual restaurants, indicating a strong preference for this eating format. (Source)
5. Nearly 61% of dealers planned to raise menu prices in 2024 to cope with rising food and labor expenses. (Source)
6. Consumer spending on fast-casual eating is projected to reach $81.5 billion by 2025, reflecting the segment's growing popularity compared to traditional fast food. (Source)
7. Nearly 80% of consumers express a preference for customizable meal options at fast casual restaurants, driving menu innovation and flexibility in offerings. (Source)
8. Fast-casual food services are actively expanding, with industry leaders like Chipotle planning over 300 new restaurant locations in 2025, reflecting the growing need for this dining segment. (Source)

Restaurant marketing statistics

How are restaurants getting more people through the door in 2025? Marketing is a big part of the puzzle!  Check out the data on marketing stats driving results in the restaurant and food service industry:

1. Research shows that two-thirds of restaurateurs,  including those managing full-service restaurants, have joined social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to attract more diners. (Source)
2. 81% of restaurateurs use Facebook to promote their companies, making it the most popular social media platform for restaurant marketing in the United States. (Source)
3. Over half of restaurants, including fast food restaurants, are currently using or plan to use AI in their marketing operations, with a year-over-year adoption growth of 7 percent. (Source)
4. A study found that 89% of consumers conduct research on their mobile devices before visiting a restaurant. (Source)
5. A 2022 report found that 57% of restaurants offer rewards and loyalty programs, indicating a significant adoption of such initiatives for both new restaurants and established drinking places. (Source)
6. A 2023 article indicates that online food ordering now accounts for roughly 40% of total restaurant sales (Source)
7. A 2024 article highlights how TikTok has significantly influenced Los Angeles's feasting scene through food influencers who review menus and share experiences, driving foot traffic to featured establishments. (Source)
8. Almost 63% of eating-out concepts in the United States plan to invest in QR code technology for their menus, ordering, and payments. (Source)
9. Approximately 62% of consumers will use local search results when looking for restaurants, making local SEO a critical aspect of marketing strategies for many restaurant owners in 2025 (Source)
10. A 2024 report indicates that 91% of companies use video as a marketing tool, reflecting a significant adoption across various industries. (Source)
11. A 2024 report notes that 46% of customers are more likely to buy when given a personalized experience, emphasizing the importance of tailored marketing for employment growth and customer satisfaction. (Source)

Restaurant consumer statistics

Know your customers! Learn what diners want, where they spend, and how to meet their expectations with these insights into the food services industry for 2025:

1. A 2023 survey by US Foods found that 57% of Americans prefer ordering takeout or delivery over eating out at a restaurant. (Source)
2. A 2024 report revealed that around 50% of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable food and drink, with the premium varying by category, from 8% for pet food to 32% for packaged goods. (Source)
3. An article states that 70% of consumers are making more effort to select nutrient-dense foods, reflecting a significant shift in eating preferences and opportunities for new restaurants to cater to health-conscious diners. (Source)
4. A report reveals that 65% of Gen Z consumers believe their generation has a greater concern about the healthfulness and nutrition of food choices compared to other generations. Companies focusing on this trend are seeing increased loyalty. (Source)
5. Almost 60% of restaurant patrons consider deals and discounts to be important factors when choosing a restaurant. (Source)
6. Nearly 79% of consumers are expected to seek technology-driven solutions like mobile ordering and payment options in restaurants. (Source)
7. About 85% of consumers are likely to join loyalty programs that offer personalized rewards, indicating a strong interest in building relationships with their favorite restaurants. (Source)
8. Around 79% of consumers prefer customizable menu options, showing a growing need for personalized eating experiences in drinking places and casual service restaurants. (Source)
9. A 2023 survey by Kearney found that 42% of consumers always or nearly always consider environmental impact when purchasing food, marking an 18 percentage point increase from the previous year. (Source)
10. A 2023 survey revealed that 69% of global consumers are holding back on non-essential spending, including eating out, due to economic factors like rising wages and increased hours worked. (Source)
11. About 80% of consumers expect unique and memorable eating experiences that go beyond just food quality, including ambiance and service quality by 2025. (Source)
12. Almost 54% of consumers use third-party delivery apps one to four times a month, with 29% noting an increase in their app usage over the past year. (Source)

Restaurant technology statistics

Tech is changing how restaurants work! We’ve got the stats on AI, digital ordering, and more to show how technology is shaping the food services industry in 2025.

1. By 2025, approximately 95% of operators are expected to use some form of artificial intelligence (AI) in their operations, enhancing efficiency and customer service. Training programs for staff are critical to ensure the smooth adoption of these technologies. (Source)
2. A 2022 survey revealed that nearly 40% of respondents prefer using mobile payment apps such as Google Pay or Apple Pay over physical credit cards when dining at restaurants. (Source)
3. Almost 60% of diners would choose a restaurant with self-serve kiosks over one that doesn't, and 91% of Gen Z respondents said they would visit a restaurant more often if kiosks were available. (Source)
4. StartUs Insights identifies predictive inventory management as one of the top 10 culinary industry trends for 2025, streamlining back-of-house operations and reducing wages associated with inventory errors. (Source)
5. A report indicates that quick-service restaurants (QSRs) expect 51% of tasks to be automated by 2025, while full-service restaurants anticipate automating 27% of tasks within the same timeframe. (Source)
6. A 2024 survey revealed that 85% of guests actively use loyalty programs within restaurant mobile apps, with rewards being a top feature that keeps them engaged. This is especially relevant for new restaurants aiming to build customer loyalty. (Source)
7. Almost 84% of companies looking for CRM software have under 1,000 employees, suggesting that small to mid-sized businesses are increasingly recognizing the value of CRM systems. (Source)
8. 81% of restaurateurs use Facebook to promote their businesses, making it the most popular social media platform for restaurant marketing in the United States. Weekly engagement with digital platforms helps attract new diners. (Source)
9. A report indicates that the global energy management systems market size was estimated at USD 53.26 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.0% from 2025 to 2030, helping restaurants cut operational expenses and optimize hours worked by staff. (Source)

Restaurant food statistics

Food trends are evolving. Fresh, local, and sustainable - discover the food trends and stats shaping the future trends in restaurants.

1. A 2025 food trends report indicates a rising need for fermented and pickled foods, driven by an increased focus on gut health. New restaurants are incorporating these options to meet health-conscious diners’ expectations. (Source)
2. A significant 88.5% of studies reviewed indicate that diners are willing to pay an average premium of 30.7% for healthier food options. (Source)
3. About 53.1% of households have at least one member with special dietary needs, emphasizing the need for service restaurants to adapt their menus to cater to a diverse total number of preferences. (Source)
4. Almost 69% of diners expressed interest in on-site tasting events, making them the most popular unique dining offering as diners seek interactive and immersive experiences. (Source)
5. Nearly half of global consumers are extremely aware of climate change's impact on food production, leading to increased requirements for sustainable products. (Source)
6. There's a growing interest in unique and bold flavors, with 43% of diners looking for extraordinary food and beverage experiences. (Source)
7. In 2022, approximately 30% of surveyed diners in the U.S. and UK preferred sustainable brands to contribute to a more eco-friendly environment. (Source)
8. A 2024 survey found that 50% of Brits are more adventurous with their food choices while on holiday, with 43% trying local cuisines instead of familiar options. (Source)
9. A study indicated that 54% of consumers are willing to buy an international food product for the first time when shopping in their favorite supermarket or food store. (Source)
10. The global meal kit delivery market is projected to generate around $14.78 billion in revenue by 2025, showing the continued need for convenience-driven food services and the potential for jobs in this growing segment. (Source)
11. 72% of diners are aware of restaurant food waste statistics, and 47% are willing to spend more at sustainable restaurants actively addressing waste management. (Source)

The recipe for 2025: What’s cooking in the culinary industry?

The restaurant industry is set for growth in 2025, but only those who stay informed and adaptable will stay ahead. Understanding the market landscape is just the first step—what you do with that knowledge matters.

This blog has provided the key restaurant industry statistics to help you navigate trends and make informed decisions. Now, it’s time to apply those insights. With an AI business plan generator, you can create a tailored business plan in just minutes. Simply answer a few questions, and our AI-powered tool will generate a professional, investor-ready plan—quickly and effortlessly.

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