76 Restaurant Industry Statistics to Know [December 2024 Update]

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Welcome to the tantalizing world of the restaurant industry, where the sizzle of the grill and the aroma of delicious dishes fill the air! In 2023, we’re serving up 76 mouthwatering restaurant industry statistics that’ll satisfy your appetite for knowledge.

Whether you’re a seasoned restaurateur, a foodie on the hunt for culinary trends, or just someone with a curious palate, these numbers are your backstage pass to the flavorful world of dining out.

So, grab a seat at the table, and let’s dive into the exciting and occasionally surprising stats that define the restaurant landscape.

Contents hide

Restaurant Industry Statistics

Restaurant Sales Statistics

Restaurant Menu Statistics

Restaurant Labor Statistics

Restaurant Marketing Statistics

Restaurant Technology Statistics

Restaurant Consumer Statistics

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Question

1. What is the best way to store leftovers?

2. How can I improve my restaurant’s online presence?

3. What’s the key to running a successful restaurant?

4. How can I handle a negative restaurant review?

5. What’s the average restaurant profit margin?

Restaurant Industry Statistics

If you’re keeping an eye on the ever-evolving restaurant landscape, it’s crucial to stay in the know about the latest trends. Let’s dive into some juicy stats that offer a glimpse of the current state of the U.S. restaurant industry for 2023.

Diverse Dining Destinations

In the United States, there’s no shortage of dining options. With over a million restaurant locations across the country, you’re bound to find a spot that suits your cravings.

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Single-Location Savvy

As of 2022, there were 155,448 single-location full-service restaurants, serving up delicious dishes and personalized experiences for their patrons.

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Chain Gang

Chain restaurants are not to be left behind. In 2021, there were 101,811 of them, bringing consistency and brand recognition to the dining scene.

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San Francisco’s Culinary Concentration

If you’re a food enthusiast living in San Francisco, consider yourself lucky. With 3.9 restaurants for every 10,000 households, it boasts the highest concentration per capita in the U.S.

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Boom in Business

The restaurant industry saw substantial growth, with a 12.4% increase in sales from 2021 to 2022, showing that people’s love for dining out remains strong.

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The Inventory Challenge

Managing inventory isn’t a walk in the park for many restaurant owners. In 2022, 54% of restaurants cited inventory as their top expense, emphasizing the importance of efficient supply chain management.

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Survival Mode

The COVID-19 pandemic threw quite a curveball at the industry. To weather the storm, 54% of restaurateurs had to dip into their own savings to keep their establishments afloat.

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Supply Chain Snags

The year 2021 was no picnic for restaurant operators. An astounding 96% of them grappled with supply delays or shortages of essential food and beverage items, underscoring the challenges of maintaining a consistent menu.

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The Waiting Game

Looking ahead, more than 50% of restaurant operators anticipate that it will take a year or more before business conditions return to pre-pandemic normalcy. Patience is indeed a virtue in this industry.

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Fast Food’s Steady Climb

The fast-food market in the U.S. continues to sizzle, with an expected 2.9% increase in 2022. It seems that quick, tasty bites are still the order of the day.

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Ghost Kitchens’ Spooky Success

In the world of virtual dining, ghost kitchens are making waves. The global ghost kitchen market reached a whopping $56.7 billion in 2021, reflecting the growing trend of delivery-only restaurants.

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Restaurant Sales Statistics

The restaurant industry is staging a remarkable comeback after facing unprecedented challenges. To get a complete picture, let’s explore some appetizing U.S. sales figures and restaurant revenue stats.

The Hefty Haul

In 2021, the U.S. restaurant industry raked in a staggering $799 billion in sales, showcasing its resilience despite the hurdles.

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Rising Above

A silver lining in the stormy cloud of the pandemic: 74% of restaurants maintained or increased their sales in 2021.

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Nationwide Gains

This wasn’t just a local phenomenon. Nationwide, 32% of restaurants saw their sales surge in 2021, indicating a broader industry rebound.

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New York City’s Bounce Back

Even in the epicenter of the pandemic, hope persisted. A remarkable 39% of restaurants in New York City managed to boost their sales in 2021.

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A Tasty Average

What’s the average revenue for restaurants in 2022? It’s a savory $1.5 million, highlighting the potential for profitability in the industry.

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Profits on the Plate

Profit margins remained healthy, with an average of 10.6% for restaurants in 2022, a promising sign for business sustainability.

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The Inventory Impact

Here’s a pro tip for restaurant owners: Regular, accurate inventory management could yield a 24% increase in profits. Efficient management can truly beef up the bottom line.

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Bar & Grill Boost

In the world of dining, bar and grill-style restaurants saw a remarkable resurgence, with 39% of them witnessing increased sales in 2021.

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Fine Dining’s Revival

Fine dining restaurants didn’t stay behind, as 24% of them experienced a sales uptick in 2021, indicating that people still appreciate culinary craftsmanship.

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Spend Stats

On the customer side of the equation, the mean spend for dine-in orders across the U.S. averaged $46, while takeout orders came in at an average of $34 in 2022. Dining habits, it seems, continue to evolve.

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Restaurant Menu Statistics

In the ever-evolving restaurant industry, it’s not just about what’s on the plate but how it’s presented. Here’s a glimpse into the dining trends that are shaping restaurant menus in 2023.

Online Menu Mania

In this digital age, diners are increasingly tech-savvy. A whopping 84% now peruse the menu online before deciding on a new restaurant. This is a significant leap from 2017 when only 59% did so.

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The Art of Streamlining

When it comes to menu items, 24% of restaurants decided to keep it simple by reducing the number of options in 2022. Sometimes, less is more.

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A Feast for the Adventurous

Conversely, 54% of restaurants opted for variety by increasing the number of items on their menu in 2022, giving customers more choices than ever before.

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The Takeout Trend

Takeout and delivery are hotter than ever, with 29% of diners now ordering these services at least once a week, reflecting a shift in dining habits.

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Pandemic Adaptations

During the pandemic, a remarkable 44% of restaurants across the nation wisely added takeout and delivery options to their menus to meet customer demand.

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Los Angeles Leading the Way

The City of Angels was especially quick to embrace change, with 73% of restaurants in Los Angeles adding takeout and delivery options to their menus during the pandemic.

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Meal Kits on the Rise

Dining experiences evolved with 28% of restaurants introducing meal kits during the pandemic, offering a new way for patrons to enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home.

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Price Pressures

Restaurant owners had to navigate a challenging terrain, with 50% of operators noting that all or most of their suppliers increased prices in the past year, potentially impacting menu prices.

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Diners’ Price Sensitivity

For diners, 46% said that menu price increases would somewhat influence their dining decisions, emphasizing the importance of pricing strategies.

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The Local Love

Support for locally sourced ingredients is on the rise, with 78% of diners stating that these ingredients are very or somewhat likely to influence their choice of a restaurant. This is a substantial increase from 49% in 2017.

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Going Veggie

Vegetarian options are gaining traction, as 34% of diners indicate that a vegetarian restaurant is very or somewhat likely to influence their dining choices.

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Digital Dining

In the age of smartphones, 48% of diners consider a restaurant’s online menu availability as an important factor when deciding where to dine in, showing the importance of a strong online presence.

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Restaurant Labor Statistics

Labor is the heartbeat of any restaurant, and understanding the dynamics in the face of staffing shortages is crucial. Here’s a snapshot of the restaurant labor landscape in 2023.

Pandemic’s Impact

The pandemic took a toll on the workforce, with 81% of restaurants reducing their staff during the turbulent times of 2022.

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Short-Staffed Struggles

In 2022, an overwhelming 97% of restaurants reported being short-staffed, highlighting the ongoing labor challenges faced by the industry.

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Finding Talent

The search for employees is a top priority, with 38% of restaurants relying on in-store advertising as their primary method for recruiting new team members.

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Wage Considerations

On the wage front, restaurant operators acknowledge the need for a 3.1% increase in the minimum wage they can afford to remain competitive in 2023.

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Cross-Training Tactics

To manage labor costs effectively, 38% of operators have embraced cross-training and repurposing staff, finding creative solutions to staffing shortages.

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Training Costs

Bringing new employees up to speed comes at a cost. On average, it amounts to $3,959 per new restaurant employee, emphasizing the investment required for a well-trained team.

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Employee Tenure

Employee loyalty is a mixed bag, with an average tenure of 110 days, showcasing the industry’s challenge in retaining talent.

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Wage-Driven Departures

For 34% of staff, wages are the driving force behind leaving or considering leaving a job, reflecting the importance of competitive compensation packages.

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Training Investments

The majority of restaurants, 72%, spend more than $2,000 on training a new employee, emphasizing the commitment to creating a skilled and efficient team.

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Benefits Matter

To remain competitive, 57% of restaurants offer benefits to their employees, recognizing the importance of holistic job satisfaction.

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Team Harmony

Effective team communication is pivotal to employee satisfaction, with 72% of employees ranking it as important to their overall job experience.

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Manager Recognition

In terms of recognition, 33% of restaurant workers hope to see their dedication rewarded with promotions, illustrating the path to growth within the industry.

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Restaurant Marketing Statistics

In the competitive world of restaurants, marketing plays a vital role in attracting and retaining diners. Here’s a taste of the marketing trends shaping the industry in 2023.

Loyalty Programs on the Rise

Loyalty programs are becoming increasingly popular, with 70% of restaurants now offering them, up from 57% in the previous year.

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Millennial Engagement

The younger generation is all in. 41% of millennial diners in the U.S. are now part of a loyalty program, showcasing their keen interest in restaurant rewards.

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The Coupon Craze

Coupons and discounts are a hit. 86% of diners express interest in joining a loyalty program if it promises discounts and coupons, emphasizing their appeal as a marketing strategy.

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Email Effectiveness

The inbox is a powerful channel. Half of diners (50%) prefer to hear from restaurants through email, and 55% are influenced to open restaurant emails when they contain coupons or promotions.

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Personalized Offers

Personalization is key. 71% of diners are actively seeking offers based on their past order history, and 46% want to see offers tailored to their personal details, such as their birthdays.

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Review Impact

Online reviews wield influence. 24% of diners admit that online reviews play a significant role in deciding where to dine, emphasizing the importance of online reputation management.

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Social Media Sway

Social media particularly influence Gen Z diners. A staggering 57% of Gen Z diners have tried a new restaurant solely based on positive feedback on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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Social Media Pre-Check

Before deciding on a new restaurant, 41% of diners frequently look at a restaurant’s social media profiles to get a sense of its offerings and atmosphere.

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The Website Connection

A restaurant’s website is a critical touchpoint. An impressive 80% of diners routinely browse a restaurant’s website before deciding to dine there, highlighting the significance of a well-crafted online presence.

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Word of Mouth

Good old-fashioned recommendations carry weight. A remarkable 86% of diners make decisions to try new restaurants based solely on recommendations from family or significant others, emphasizing the power of personal endorsements.

Restaurant Technology Statistics

In today’s fast-paced world, technology plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of a restaurant. Let’s delve into the tech statistics that are shaping the industry in 2023.

Embracing Mobile Pay

During the pandemic, 71% of restaurants recognized the importance of contactless transactions and implemented mobile payment options to cater to customer preferences.

QR Code Revolution

QR codes became the go-to tech solution during the pandemic, with 70% of restaurants adopting them to facilitate touchless menu access and enhance the dining experience.

POS System Upgrades

Tech-savvy restaurateurs are on the move. A whopping 76% of them changed their point-of-sale (POS) systems in the past year, reflecting the industry’s drive to keep up with evolving customer expectations.

Prioritizing Ease of Use

When selecting a POS system, 34% of restaurateurs consider ease of use as the most crucial factor, emphasizing the need for intuitive technology solutions.

Customer Support Matters

Customer support is a key concern for 33% of restaurateurs when choosing a POS system, recognizing that reliable assistance is essential for smooth operations.

Online Ordering Proliferation

Online ordering platforms have become the norm. An astounding 97% of restaurants use at least one platform for online orders, with most leveraging three different platforms on average.

Rapid Adoption of Online Ordering

The pandemic accelerated the shift to online ordering, with 75% of restaurants already having some form of online ordering in place. Additionally, 32% of restaurants implemented online ordering when dining rooms were closed.

A Digital Slice of the Pie

On average, restaurants report that 25% of their business is conducted through online ordering platforms, highlighting the growing importance of this channel.

Pre-Scheduling and Texting Options

Diners are getting tech-savvy too, with 22% expressing a desire for the option to pre-schedule pickup and delivery orders, and 11% wishing for the convenience of texting their orders.

Payment Processor Pains

Not all tech experiences are smooth sailing. A staggering 97% of operators cite frustrations with payment processors, indicating the need for improvements in this critical aspect of restaurant technology.

Restaurant Consumer Statistics

The heart of any restaurant lies with its diners. Understanding their preferences and behaviors is essential for a successful dining experience. Here’s a taste of the diner trends and habits in 2023.

Frequent Dining Out

Dining out remains a popular choice, with 44% of diners enjoying restaurant experiences at least once a week or more.

Local Love

Support for local, independent restaurants is strong, with 63% of diners preferring them over chain or franchise establishments.

Quality over All

When it comes to the dining experience, 68% of diners prioritize the quality of the food, making it the most important factor for them.

Location Matters

Location plays a significant role in diner decisions, with 55% choosing where to eat based on the restaurant’s proximity.

Takeout Trends

When it comes to takeout, 35% of diners favor pick-up as their preferred method, while 38% usually place to-go orders over the phone.

Dominance of Online Ordering Apps

Online ordering apps are on the rise, with 68% of Americans using DoorDash for their restaurant orders.

Payment Preferences

For payment, 45% of U.S. diners prefer credit cards, while 32% opt for debit cards when settling their bills.

Explorative Gen Z

Gen Z diners in the U.S. are particularly adventurous, with 56% of them trying a new restaurant monthly or more frequently.

Reservation Realities

Reservations aren’t always the norm, as 38% of diners say they rarely make a reservation when visiting a restaurant, showing a preference for spontaneity.

Time Tolerance

Diners value their time, with 55% noting that a table wait time exceeding 30 minutes would deter them from visiting a restaurant.

The Food-Service Balance

The importance of service and food varies. While 57% of diners would revisit a restaurant with bad service but great food, it’s clear that both elements play a role in customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

As our culinary journey comes to a close, we hope these 76 restaurant industry statistics have whet your appetite for insight. The restaurant world is dynamic and ever-changing, where technology, tastes, and trends constantly evolve.

From diners’ preferences and tech innovations to the challenges and successes of restaurateurs, these stats provide a snapshot of the delightful, delicious, and occasionally demanding world of dining out.

Whether you’re in the industry or just a passionate patron, we’re all united by one common love: good food and memorable dining experiences. Here’s to a future filled with delectable dishes and culinary adventures. Bon appétit!

Frequently Asked Question

1. What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Consume them within 3-4 days to ensure safety and taste.

2. How can I improve my restaurant’s online presence?

Enhance your restaurant’s online presence by creating an appealing website, maintaining active social media profiles, encouraging customer reviews, and optimizing for local search results.

3. What’s the key to running a successful restaurant?

A successful restaurant hinges on factors like exceptional food quality, excellent customer service, efficient management, a strong online presence, and effective marketing strategies to attract and retain customers.

4. How can I handle a negative restaurant review?

Respond to negative reviews professionally and empathetically. Address concerns, offer solutions, and strive to resolve the issue.

5. What’s the average restaurant profit margin?

The average restaurant profit margin hovers around 5-10%. However, this can vary based on factors like location, concept, and operational efficiency. Careful financial management and cost control are essential for profitability.