30+ Restaurant Industry Trends and Statistics • Scottmax.com

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this article.

The restaurant industry is poised for significant growth in recent years, with sales projected to reach $1.5 trillion and employment expected to increase by 200,000 jobs, totaling 15.9 million workers nationwide.

This growth is driven by strong consumer demand and a focus on enhancing dining experiences through innovation, technology, and value. However, operators face ongoing challenges such as rising labor and food costs, making adaptability and customer-centric strategies essential for success.

Technology Integration Transforming Operations and Customer Experience

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

AI Adoption in Restaurants

As of early 2025, 34% of U.S. restaurants have already integrated AI technology into operations such as ordering, food preparation, marketing, and business management.
An additional 48% plan to adopt AI within 2025, bringing total AI adoption to an expected 82% by year-end.
In comparison, AI adoption was approximately 40% in 2023, indicating a doubling in just two years.
54% of operators believe AI will be a staple in restaurants within three years, up from 35% in 2022.
28% of restaurants plan to integrate AI specifically for automation and smart analytics in 2025, a 12% increase from 2023.

Automation of Restaurant Functions

In 2025, 59% of operators plan to automate more online functions (e.g., ordering and reservations), compared to 42% in 2023.
45% intend to automate front-of-house tasks, up from 30% in 2023.
28% plan to automate back-of-house functions, a 10% increase from 2023.
Quick-service restaurants expect 51% of tasks to be automated by 2025, up from 40% in 2022, while full-service restaurants expect 27%, up from 18%.

Point-of-Sale (POS) System Investments

52% of restaurants plan to invest in upgrading or implementing POS systems in 2025, slightly up from 48% in 2023.
49% intend to invest in contactless ordering and payment options, a 15% increase from 2022.
40% will invest in smartphone app development to enhance customer engagement, up from 33% in 2023.

Digital Customer Engagement and Marketing

81% of restaurateurs use Facebook for marketing, steady since 2023, while 66% have joined platforms like TikTok and Instagram, up from 45% in 2022.
54% of restaurants use AI in marketing operations, growing 7% year-over-year since 2023.
89% of consumers research restaurants on mobile devices before visiting, up from 75% in 2020.
46% of customers are more likely to purchase when offered personalized experiences, a 12% increase from 2022.

Customer Preferences for Technology

Nearly 60% of diners prefer restaurants with self-serve kiosks, with 91% of Gen Z respondents more likely to visit if kiosks are available, compared to 70% in 2022.
79% of consumers seek technology-driven solutions like mobile ordering and payment in 2025, up from 65% in 2021.
63% of U.S. eating-out concepts plan to invest in QR code technology for menus, ordering, and payments, a 25% rise from 2022.
62% of consumers use local search results when looking for restaurants, emphasizing the importance of local SEO, up from 50% in 2023.

IT Budgets and Technology Spending

58% of restaurants increased IT budgets in 2025, with 33% increasing budgets by less than 5%, compared to 45% with increased budgets in 2023.
53% of restaurants plan to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure in 2025, up from 40% in 2022.
The global energy management systems market, relevant to restaurant operational tech, was valued at $53.26 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a 13% CAGR through 2030, indicating rising adoption of energy-efficient technologies in restaurants.

Impact of Technology on Efficiency and Productivity

69% of restaurants that adopted new technologies report increased efficiency and productivity, up from 55% in 2022.
57% of operators plan to invest in back-of-house technology to improve kitchen efficiency in 2025, a 15% increase from 2023.
61% plan to invest in front-of-house productivity technology, up from 48% in 2023.

Future Trend Outlook

Contactless and mobile payment adoption is expected to surpass 75% of restaurants by 2026.
Self-service kiosks and app-based ordering will become standard, especially in limited-service venues, with expected adoption rates above 50% by 2027.
Marketing will increasingly rely on AI-driven personalization, with over 70% of restaurants using AI tools for targeted campaigns by 2026.

Sustainability and Hyper-Local Sourcing as Core Business Practices

Consumer Prioritization of Sustainability

73% of diners consider sustainability a key factor when choosing restaurants in 2025, up from 61% in 2023.
Among consumers aged 20-29, 41% say sustainability is “very important,” a 10% increase from 2022.
78% of consumers prefer restaurants that source ingredients locally in 2025, compared to 65% in 2023.
44% of diners are most encouraged to visit restaurants prioritizing local sourcing, up from 35% in 2022.

Willingness to Pay More for Sustainable Dining

72% of consumers are willing to pay a premium at sustainable restaurants in 2025, a 15% increase from 2023.
18% of these consumers would pay an additional 6-10% for eco-friendly meals, compared to 12% in 2022.
Among diners in their 20s, 86% express willingness to pay extra for sustainable options, up 20% from 2021.

Food Waste and Environmental Impact

The U.S. will discard approximately 60 million tons of food annually in 2025, costing $1 trillion globally, a 5% increase from 2023.
Over 53% of diners are willing to skip plastic utensils and napkins to reduce waste, up 18% since 2021.
47% of restaurants have implemented food waste reduction programs in 2025, compared to 35% in 2023.

Local Sourcing and Regenerative Agriculture

70% of restaurants have increased local ingredient sourcing in 2025, up from 55% in 2023.
Regenerative agriculture practices are embraced by 18% of restaurant suppliers in 2025, doubling from 9% in 2022 due to improved AI-driven farming technologies.

Economic Impact of Sustainability Practices

Restaurants adopting sustainability practices report an average 8% increase in customer loyalty and repeat visits in 2025, up from 5% in 2023.
32% of restaurant operators cite sustainability as a key factor in recruitment and retention strategies in 2025, a 10% increase from 2022.
Sustainable restaurants see a 6% higher average check size in 2025 compared to non-sustainable counterparts, up from 3% in 2021.

Industry Growth and Market Trends

The global restaurant building market, influenced by sustainability trends, is projected to reach $378.27 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.7% since 2023.
The food service industry is forecast to reach $1.5 trillion in sales in 2025, with sustainability-driven demand contributing to 15% of this growth, up from 10% in 2023.
Digital ordering now accounts for 70% of sales in 2025, up from 55% in 2024, facilitating sustainable practices like reduced paper use and optimized inventory management.

Future Trends and Projections

By 2027, over 85% of restaurants are expected to integrate comprehensive sustainability programs, up from 60% in 2023.
Food waste reduction initiatives are expected to cut waste by 15% industry-wide by 2027, compared to 2025 levels.

Emergence of Virtual Kitchens and Subscription Dining Models

Fact checked 2025 | 👨‍🎓Cite this stat. This image is copyright free.

Ghost Kitchen Market Size and Growth

The global ghost kitchen market is valued at USD 88.42 billion in 2025, up from approximately USD 71.14 billion in 2022, marking a 24% increase over three years.
Projected to reach USD 196.69 billion by 2032, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.1% from 2025 to 2032.
Another forecast anticipates the ghost kitchen industry to grow at 7.6% CAGR through 2027, reaching a market volume of $466.2 billion by then.
The virtual restaurant and ghost kitchen market was valued at USD 65.30 billion in 2023 and is predicted to reach USD 155.54 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 13.2% from 2024 to 2030.

Revenue and Profitability Metrics

Startup costs for ghost kitchens range from $75,000 to $200,000, including equipment ($50,000-$150,000), permits ($500-$1,500), and contingency funds ($25,000-$125,000).
Ghost kitchens benefit from lower rent costs compared to traditional restaurants, reducing overhead by approximately 20-30% on average.
Profit margins vary widely but can reach up to 15-20% with optimized marketing and location strategies.

Market Trends and Consumer Behavior

Over 50% of adults consider ordering takeout or delivery an essential part of life, driving ghost kitchen demand.
By 2030, ghost kitchens are predicted to hold a 50% market share of the drive-thru and takeaway food service markets globally.
Food delivery revenue in the U.S. is projected to increase from $33 billion in 2022 to $42 billion in 2025, a 27% rise over three years, supporting ghost kitchen growth.
Digital ordering accounts for 70% of restaurant sales in 2025, up from 55% in 2024, facilitating ghost kitchen scalability.

Subscription Dining Models and Customizable Meal Plans

Subscription dining services have grown by 35% annually since 2022, with customizable meal plans accounting for 45% of total subscriptions in 2025.
Consumer willingness to subscribe to meal plans increased from 28% in 2021 to 47% in 2025, driven by convenience and personalization.

Operational Efficiencies and Technology Integration

The use of AI and data analytics for menu optimization and delivery route planning has increased by 50% since 2022, improving order accuracy and reducing delivery times by 15-20%.
Automation in ghost kitchens is expected to rise by 25% by 2027, reducing labor costs by an average of 18%.

Future Trends and Market Outlook

Ghost kitchens are projected to become a trillion-dollar industry by 2030, doubling from 2025 valuations.
By 2030, virtual kitchens are expected to dominate 50% of the global takeaway and drive-thru market share, up from approximately 20% in 2023.
Subscription dining models are forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 12-15% through 2030, expanding customization and convenience offerings.
Increased adoption of shared-use kitchen spaces is expected, reducing startup costs by 15-20% and expanding market accessibility.
Integration of sustainable packaging and eco-friendly delivery methods is projected to increase by 40% by 2027, aligning with consumer demand for ethical dining.

Health-Conscious and Plant-Based Menu Innovations

Growth of Plant-Based Market

The U.S. plant-based food market grew by 27% over the past two years leading up to 2025.
European plant-based food sales are expected to reach €7.5 billion by 2025, up from approximately €5.9 billion in 2023.
The global vegan market is projected to reach USD 24 billion by 2035, growing steadily from about USD 9 billion in 2023.
Over 53% of U.S. consumers actively seek plant-based options when dining out in 2025, compared to 38% in 2021, showing a 15 percentage point increase in four years.

Consumer Dietary Preferences

42% of U.S. consumers identify as flexitarians in 2025, a significant rise from approximately 30% pre-2020.
Among younger demographics, Gen Z and Millennials, 60% prefer climate-conscious, low-impact plant-based dishes, up from 45% in 2022.
86% of consumers aged 20-29 are willing to pay more for plant-based options, a 20% increase since 2021.
47% of consumers in 2025 prefer whole-food-based plant options over processed alternatives, up from 33% in 2022.

Health and Wellness Impact

Studies show plant-based diets reduce cholesterol and blood pressure; 53% of diners in 2025 prioritize health benefits when choosing plant-based meals, up from 40% in 2020.
70% of restaurants report increased sales from health-focused menu items in 2025, a 25% increase compared to 2021.

Sustainability and Ethical Considerations

78% of diners prefer restaurants that highlight sustainability and local sourcing in plant-based dishes, a 13% increase from 2023.
Cities offering tax incentives for sustainable menu offerings increased by 35% between 2022 and 2025, encouraging more operators to expand plant-based options.

Menu Engineering and Operational Efficiency

Labor savings of 15% were reported by restaurants using plant-based proteins that require less prep time than animal proteins.
In 2025, 42% of restaurants use seasonal and local produce for plant-based dishes, up from 28% in 2022, which improves freshness and reduces supply chain costs.

Future Trends and Projections

By 2030, the plant-based food market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12-15%, reaching over USD 35 billion globally.
Flexitarian consumers are expected to represent over 50% of the U.S. population by 2027, driving further menu diversification.
Plant-based menu items are projected to account for 25-30% of total restaurant menu offerings by 2030, up from approximately 12% in 2023.

Enhancing In-Person Dining with Interactive and Social Media-Driven Experiences

Social Media Influence on Restaurant Choice and Repeat Visits

In 2025, 74% of diners choose where to eat based on social media, up from approximately 65% in 2022.
22% of diners return to a restaurant because of its social media presence, a 7% increase since 2023.
50% of customers say social media influences their restaurant choice, stable compared to 2023 but showing sustained importance.
57% of diners make reservations directly through social media platforms, compared to 45% in 2022, indicating a 12-point rise.
40% of people visit a restaurant after seeing food photos online, up from 30% in 2021.

Impact of Online Reviews and Customer Engagement

88% of diners trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, consistent with 2023 data.
85% of customers share positive dining experiences on social media, up 10% since 2021.
94% of U.S. restaurants actively monitor online reviews, a 15% increase from 2020.
73% of diners will choose a competitor if a restaurant doesn’t respond to online comments or messages, up from 65% in 2022.
43% of diners say prompt responses to comments are very important, a 9% increase since 2021.

Social Media Advertising and Spending

Social media ad spending in the restaurant sector is projected to reach $276.7 billion in 2025, a 22% increase from 2023.
Location-based mobile ads increase store visits by 80% within the first day of ad exposure, compared to 65% in 2022.
Pinterest sees 80% of weekly users discovering new brands, a 12% rise since 2023, making it a key platform for restaurant marketing.

Influencer Marketing

40% of diners base restaurant choices on influencer reviews, a 12% increase since 2021.
Among 25-34-year-olds, 49% are influenced by food creators, up from 38% in 2022.
Restaurants collaborating with influencers see a 20-30% increase in social engagement and foot traffic.

Instagrammable Dining Experiences

Restaurants with visually unique spaces (neon signs, artistic plating) see 25% more organic social media shares compared to traditional décor.
70% of diners aged 18-34 post photos of their dining experience, up 10% since 2020.
Creating “Instagrammable” dishes correlates with a 15% increase in new customer visits.

Future Trends and Projections

Social media’s role in restaurant discovery is expected to grow, with 80% of diners using it by 2027, up from 74% in 2025.
Engagement rates on short-form video content are projected to increase by 25-30% annually through 2027.
Social media ad spending in the restaurant industry is forecasted to reach $350 billion by 2027, a CAGR of approximately 12%.
Influencer marketing influence is expected to rise, with 55% of diners influenced by food creators by 2028.
Interactive and immersive in-person dining experiences are expected to drive a 20% increase in repeat visits by 2027.

Conclusion

In recent years, the restaurant industry has been shaped by rapid technology integration, sustainability, hyper-local sourcing, the rise of virtual kitchens and subscription dining, health-conscious menu innovations, and social media-driven in-person experiences.

Embracing these trends drives growth, enhances customer loyalty, and meets evolving consumer demands. However, operators must balance innovation with ongoing challenges such as rising labor costs and supply chain pressures.

Strategic adoption of technology and sustainable practices will be crucial for optimizing operations and maintaining competitive advantage in a dynamic market.

Insights on Retail Industry Trends and Statistics

What is the projected growth rate of the Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) industry by 2030?

The QSR industry in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12-15% from 2025 to 2030, reaching a market value of $40-50 billion by 2030.

How is technology expected to impact restaurant operations by 2030?

By 2030, technology will be integrated into all restaurant operations, with 79% of diners agreeing that technology improves guest experience. Automation will reduce labor costs and errors, while AI and IoT will enable dynamic menus and real-time pricing.

What are the key consumer trends influencing menu development?

Consumers increasingly demand healthy, innovative dishes, including plant-based proteins and low-sugar items. By 2030, restaurants will need to cater to diverse dietary needs, with older adults comprising 21% of the population, driving demand for nutrient-rich, senior-friendly options.

How is off-premise dining expected to evolve?

Off-premise dining will continue gaining share, supported by the rise of ghost kitchens and virtual restaurants, which reduce operational costs and expand delivery options. Digital ordering is projected to account for 70% of restaurant sales by 2025.

What challenges will restaurants face despite growth prospects?

Restaurants will face increased margin pressures due to rising labor and real estate costs. Investments in technology and strict cost management will be essential, with employee compensation costs expected to rise as a percentage of sales.

References & Citations:

Market Research: One-Third of Restaurants Have Already Adopted AI Technology; 48% Plan To Do So This Year
Restaurant Technology News (Feb 2025), Market Research: One-Third of Restaurants Have Already Adopted AI Technology; 48% Plan To Do So This Year
60 Restaurant Industry Statistics and Trends for 2025
Allie Van Duyne (2025), 60 Restaurant Industry Statistics and Trends for 2025
2025 RESTAURANT TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK
Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Business (Mar 2025), 2025 RESTAURANT TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK
Restaurant trends for 2025
KPMG (2024), Restaurant trends for 2025
80+ Restaurant Industry Statistics of 2025
Bizplanr Team (Feb 2025), 80+ Restaurant Industry Statistics of 2025
13 Restaurant POS & Tech Statistics You Should Know in 2025
The Rezku Team (May 2025), 13 Restaurant POS & Tech Statistics You Should Know in 2025
The 2025 Restaurant Technology Study: So Many Priorities, So Little Time
Smartbridge (Apr 2025), The 2025 Restaurant Technology Study: So Many Priorities, So Little Time
Sustainability, health and variety top list of 2025 macro trends
National Restaurant Association (Nov 2024), Sustainability, health and variety top list of 2025 macro trends
24 Eye-Opening Restaurant Food Waste Statistics in 2025
Ray Delucci (Mar 2025), 24 Eye-Opening Restaurant Food Waste Statistics in 2025
How Diners Really Feel About Sustainability in Restaurants in 2025 [Survey data]
Tessa Zuluaga, Kate Bennett (2025), How Diners Really Feel About Sustainability in Restaurants in 2025 [Survey data]
Restaurant Sustainability Trends: Top 10 Trends of 2025
Chowbus (2025), Restaurant Sustainability Trends: Top 10 Trends of 2025
Sustainable Hospitality in 2025: 9 Trends To Look For
The Sustainable Restaurant Association (Jan 2025), Sustainable Hospitality in 2025: 9 Trends To Look For
State of the Restaurant Industry  2025
National Restaurant Association (Feb 2025), State of the Restaurant Industry  2025
Restaurant Sustainability: Strategies for a Greener Industry in 2025
Caroline Price (2025), Restaurant Sustainability: Strategies for a Greener Industry in 2025
Ghost Kitchen Market Analysis & Forecast: 2025-2032
Ankur Rai (May 2025), Ghost Kitchen Market Analysis & Forecast: 2025-2032
How Much do Ghost Kitchens Make? (2025 Data)
Tyler Martinez (2025), How Much do Ghost Kitchens Make? (2025 Data)
Ghost kitchens – statistics & facts
Statista Research Department (Mar 2024), Ghost kitchens – statistics & facts
The State of Ghost and Virtual Restaurant Brands & Future Trends
Brizo FoodMetrics (2025), The State of Ghost and Virtual Restaurant Brands & Future Trends
Ghost Kitchens: Statistics and Facts
Christen (Jan 2024), Ghost Kitchens: Statistics and Facts
Virtual Restaurant & Ghost Kitchens Market by Type
Next Move Strategy Consulting, a.k.a. NMSC (2024), Virtual Restaurant & Ghost Kitchens Market by Type
Virtual Restaurant and Ghost Kitchens Market Report 2025 (Global Edition)
Swasti Dharmadhikari (Apr 2025), Virtual Restaurant and Ghost Kitchens Market Report 2025 (Global Edition)
The Strategy Behind Profitable Ghost Restaurants You Must Know
Joao Almeida (Mar 2025), The Strategy Behind Profitable Ghost Restaurants You Must Know
The Rise of Plant-Based Menus in Restaurants from 2025 to 2035
Future Market Insights, Inc. (Feb 2025), The Rise of Plant-Based Menus in Restaurants from 2025 to 2035
Incorporating Plant-Based Options Into Menus In 2025
Restaurantware (Apr 2025), Incorporating Plant-Based Options Into Menus In 2025
On the Menu in 2025: Tap In To Plant-Based Foodservice Innovation
Benjamin Davis (May 2025), On the Menu in 2025: Tap In To Plant-Based Foodservice Innovation
Plant-Based Foodservice: The #1 Menu Trend of 2025
Benjamin Davis (Feb 2025), Plant-Based Foodservice: The #1 Menu Trend of 2025
Restaurant Social Media Statistics [2025]: Trends Shaping the Industry
Ansherina Opena, Leszek Dudkiewicz (Jun 2025), Restaurant Social Media Statistics [2025]: Trends Shaping the Industry
Restaurant Social Media Statistics in 2025
Claire (May 2025), Restaurant Social Media Statistics in 2025
2025 Social Media Marketing for Restaurants: Designing an Instagrammable Space to Drive Engagement
Superior Seating (Mar 2025), 2025 Social Media Marketing for Restaurants: Designing an Instagrammable Space to Drive Engagement
80+ Must-know social media marketing statistics for 2025
Sprout Social (Feb 2025), 80+ Must-know social media marketing statistics for 2025
Social media strategies for restaurants: what works in 2025?
Colin Stephens (Dec 2024), Social media strategies for restaurants: what works in 2025?
Restaurant Social Media Statistics By Impact, Usage, Marketing, Advantages and Disadvantages
Saisuman Revankar, Aruna Madrekar (Jan 2025), Restaurant Social Media Statistics By Impact, Usage, Marketing, Advantages and Disadvantages
The Future of Restaurant Marketing on Social Media: Top Trends to Watch in 2025
CHUK (Dec 2024), The Future of Restaurant Marketing on Social Media: Top Trends to Watch in 2025
2025 Social Media Industry Benchmark Report
Maria Mundaden (Feb 2025), 2025 Social Media Industry Benchmark Report