U.S. restaurants generated one trillion dollars in sales. Thirty five percent of meals were consumed away from home. Figures on employment levels, delivery volume, and diner habits reveal where the sector has stabilized and where costs and staffing continue to create strain.
Key Takeaways
- 68% of U.S. consumers visited a restaurant at least once a week in 2023
- U.S. restaurant industry employed 15.9 million people in 2023, representing 9.6% of private sector jobs
- In 2023, the U.S. restaurant industry generated total sales of $1.0 trillion, marking a 5.4% increase from 2022
- Average U.S. full-service restaurant table turnover 2.8 times/night 2023
- 27% of U.S. restaurants closed permanently due to pandemic by end-2023
- Average U.S. restaurant sales reached $1.2 million per unit in 2023, up 6% from 2022
Bars and restaurants are set to keep growing as consumer demand for dining and drinks rises.
Related reading
01 · Category
Consumer Trends and Behavior27 stats
01
68% of U.S. consumers visited a restaurant at least once a week in 2023
02
55% of U.S. diners used mobile apps for ordering in 2023, up 20% from 2022
03
Alcohol consumption at bars declined 3% among millennials in 2023, favoring mocktails
04
42% of U.S. consumers prioritized sustainability in restaurant choices 2023
05
Delivery orders surged 12% YoY to 25 billion in U.S. 2023
06
Plant-based menu items ordered 28% more in U.S. restaurants 2023
07
76% of Gen Z dined out for social media content in 2023
08
Average U.S. diner frequency 4.5 times/month in 2023, up from 4.1
09
61% of consumers tipped via app/digital in 2023 U.S. bars/restaurants
10
Craft cocktail orders up 18% in U.S. bars 2023
11
35% of U.S. meals consumed away from home in 2023, highest ever
12
Low/no-alcohol beverages sales +25% in U.S. restaurants 2023
13
49% of diners sought local/seasonal ingredients in 2023 U.S.
14
U.K. consumers dined out 2.8 times/week avg in 2023
15
72% of U.S. parents took kids to casual restaurants weekly 2023
16
Experiential dining (themed) visited by 38% of millennials 2023
17
54% reduced spending due to inflation but prioritized dining 2023 U.S.
18
Wine by the glass outsold bottles 3:1 in U.S. bars 2023
19
67% used loyalty apps for discounts in 2023 U.S. restaurants
20
Solo dining up 22% post-pandemic in U.S. 2023
21
44% preferred outdoor seating in 2023 U.S. surveys
22
Spicy food orders +15% in U.S. 2023
23
51% of boomers dined early bird specials 2023
24
Contactless payment used 88% of transactions U.S. restaurants 2023
25
Global avg restaurant visit spend $25/person in 2023
26
U.S. brunch visits +10% YoY in 2023
27
39% chose restaurants based on reviews/apps 2023 U.S.
Interpretation
Consumer Trends and Behavior Interpretation
The American appetite for dining out remains voracious, but the modern feast is a complex blend of seeking convenience via apps, curating social media moments, and making conscientious choices—from plant-based plates and mocktails to sustainable sourcing—all while navigating inflation with strategic loyalty discounts and a stubborn refusal to sacrifice the communal table.
02 · Category
Employment and Workforce29 stats
01
U.S. restaurant industry employed 15.9 million people in 2023, representing 9.6% of private sector jobs
02
U.S. bars and drinking places employed 430,000 workers in 2023, up 4.2% YoY
03
Restaurants added 200,000 net new jobs in the U.S. in 2023, reaching pre-pandemic levels
04
Women comprised 52% of U.S. restaurant workforce in 2023, but only 25% of ownership
05
Average U.S. restaurant hourly wage rose to $17.50in 2023, up 6.5% from 2022
06
Turnover rate for U.S. restaurant frontline staff was 73% in 2023, down from 130% peak
07
U.S. full-service restaurants employed 5.2 million in 2023, 33% of industry total
08
1 in 3 U.S. adults worked in restaurants at some point in their career by 2023
09
Bartenders in U.S. averaged $14.50/hour plus tips, total $35,000 annual in 2023
10
U.S. restaurant managers numbered 550,000 in 2023, with 12% vacancy rate
11
Immigrants made up 22% of U.S. restaurant workforce in 2023
12
Part-time workers were 65% of U.S. restaurant employees in 2023
13
Chefs and head cooks employment grew 2.5% to 240,000 in U.S. 2023
14
U.K. hospitality sector employed 3.7 million in 2023, 10% of workforce
15
U.S. quick-service jobs totaled 4.8 million in 2023
16
Servers/waitstaff turnover hit 80% in U.S. fine dining 2023
17
Global restaurant industry employs 200 million people as of 2023
18
U.S. restaurant job openings averaged 1 million per month in 2023
19
Cooks employment in U.S. restaurants 1.8 million in 2023, 5% growth
20
45% of U.S. restaurant workers under 30 in 2023
21
Barbacks and bussers jobs grew 7% to 150,000 in U.S. 2023
22
Australia hospitality employed 900,000 in 2023
23
U.S. dishwashers and kitchen helpers 450,000 employed in 2023
24
Training hours per new hire averaged 40 in U.S. restaurants 2023
25
Canada restaurants employed 1.3 million in 2023, 6% of jobs
26
U.S. sommeliers and mixologists jobs up 15% to 25,000 in 2023
27
Host/hostess positions had 18% vacancy in U.S. 2023
28
62% of U.S. Gen Z entered workforce via restaurants in 2023
29
U.S. 65% of restaurant employees receive health benefits in 2023, up from 50%
Interpretation
Employment and Workforce Interpretation
The restaurant industry, which serves as the nation's largest revolving door for launching careers, now spins with a bit less chaotic energy, as it finally reaches pre-pandemic staffing levels but still struggles to keep its seasoned professionals or elevate its majority-female workforce into ownership roles.
03 · Category
Market Size and Growth30 stats
01
In 2023, the U.S. restaurant industry generated total sales of $1.0 trillion, marking a 5.4% increase from 2022
02
Globally, the foodservice market was valued at $3.5 trillion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $5.3 trillion by 2030 at a CAGR of 6.2%
03
The bar and tavern segment in the U.S. saw sales of $42 billion in 2023, up 7.1% year-over-year
04
U.S. full-service restaurants accounted for 45% of total industry sales in 2023, totaling approximately $450 billion
05
The Asia-Pacific region dominated the global restaurant market with a 38% share in 2023, valued at over $1.3 trillion
06
U.S. limited-service restaurants grew by 8.2% in sales to $570 billion in 2023, driven by quick-service chains
07
The craft beer bar segment expanded by 12% in the U.S. from 2022 to 2023, contributing $15 billion to bar revenues
08
Global bar industry revenue reached $1.2 trillion in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 5.8% through 2028
09
In Europe, the restaurant sector grew 6.5% in 2023 to €600 billion, led by casual dining
10
U.S. restaurant industry sales per capita reached $2,959in 2023, up from $2,800 in 2022
11
The fast-casual segment in the U.S. hit $38.4 billion in sales in 2023, growing 10.5%
12
Latin America restaurant market valued at $450 billion in 2023, expected to grow at 7.2% CAGR to 2030
13
U.S. bars and nightclubs generated $28 billion in 2023, recovering 85% from pre-pandemic levels
14
Independent restaurants in the U.S. represented 72% of total outlets but only 45% of sales at $450 billion in 2023
15
Middle East & Africa foodservice market grew to $250 billion in 2023 at 5.9% YoY
16
U.S. drinking places (bars) sales increased 9.3% to $40.2 billion in 2023
17
Global fine dining market size was $120 billion in 2023, projected to $180 billion by 2030
18
Canada restaurant industry sales hit CAD 120 billion in 2023, up 6.8%
19
U.S. casual dining sales recovered to $290 billion in 2023, 92% of 2019 levels
20
Australia bar and restaurant sector valued at AUD 50 billion in 2023, growing 4.5%
21
U.S. restaurant industry expected to add $110 billion in sales in 2024, reaching $1.1 trillion
22
Cloud kitchen market, impacting restaurants, reached $70 billion globally in 2023, CAGR 11.5%
23
U.K. eating out market grew 7.2% to £100 billion in 2023
24
India restaurant industry valued at $65 billion in 2023, projected 10% CAGR to 2028
25
U.S. sports bar segment sales at $12 billion in 2023, up 8%
26
Global wine bar market size $25 billion in 2023, growing 6.8%
27
Brazil foodservice market $90 billion in 2023, 5.5% growth
28
U.S. ghost kitchens contributed $5 billion to delivery sales in 2023
29
China restaurant market $800 billion in 2023, largest globally
30
U.S. restaurant sales growth forecasted at 4% for 2024, adding 200,000 jobs
Interpretation
Market Size and Growth Interpretation
The world is drinking and dining its way to a staggering economic recovery, with America's bars and restaurants leading a global charge that proves our appetite for experience is as resilient as it is expensive.
More related reading
04 · Category
Operational Metrics30 stats
01
Average U.S. full-service restaurant table turnover 2.8 times/night 2023
02
Kitchen ticket times averaged 12.5 minutes in U.S. QSR 2023
03
U.S. bar inventory waste averaged 2.5% of stock value monthly 2023
04
Seat turnover rate in U.S. casual dining 2.2/hour peak 2023
05
Average U.S. restaurant POS system uptime 99.2% in 2023
06
Food waste in U.S. restaurants 4-10% of purchases, 22 million tons annually 2023
07
U.S. full-service labor productivity $85/sales per labor hour 2023
08
Drive-thru avg service time 3:45 min U.S. QSR 2023
09
U.S. bar prime cost (labor+food) averaged 62% of sales 2023
10
Reservation no-show rate 15% avg U.S. restaurants 2023
11
U.S. restaurant energy costs $3,000/unit/month avg 2023
12
Table utilization 75% peak hours U.S. casual 2023
13
Inventory turnover 12 times/year avg U.S. restaurants 2023
14
U.K. pub avg covers/day 250 in 2023
15
U.S. fine dining avg covers/night 120 per 100 seats 2023
16
Delivery fulfillment time avg 32 min U.S. 2023
17
U.S. bar pour accuracy 92% with tech in 2023
18
Kitchen labor scheduling efficiency 88% U.S. 2023
19
Avg U.S. restaurant utility costs 4.5% of sales 2023
20
Peak hour revenue 55% of daily U.S. casual restaurants 2023
21
U.S. QSR avg transactions/hour 150 peak 2023
22
Spoilage rate 1.8% avg U.S. bars produce 2023
23
U.S. restaurant avg check processing time 45 sec digital 2023
24
Banquet event setup time avg 2 hours U.S. 2023
25
U.S. sports bar TV screens avg 25 per venue 2023
26
Online order abandonment rate 65% U.S. restaurants 2023
27
U.S. full-service avg party size 2.7 persons 2023
28
Bar happy hour sales boost 30% avg U.S. 2023
29
U.S. restaurant cybersecurity incidents up 22% in 2023, affecting 15% of ops
30
Avg U.S. casual dining occupancy 68% 2023
Interpretation
Operational Metrics Interpretation
The modern restaurant is a high-stakes ballet where the kitchen's 12.5-minute sprint, the bar's 92% precise pour, and the front-of-house's 2.8 table turns per night all dance on the knife's edge of a 62% prime cost, constantly threatened by a 15% no-show rate, 4-10% food waste, and the silent chaos of a 65% online cart abandonment.
05 · Category
Operations and Challenges27 stats
01
27% of U.S. restaurants closed permanently due to pandemic by end-2023
02
Supply chain disruptions affected 78% of U.S. restaurants in 2023
03
Labor shortages led to 45% of U.S. restaurants reducing hours in 2023
04
Inflation drove 62% menu price hikes avg 5.2% U.S. 2023
05
35% of U.S. bars reported theft losses over $10k in 2023
06
Tech adoption: 52% U.S. restaurants used AI scheduling 2023
07
Energy costs rose 15% for U.S. restaurants in 2023
08
41% faced insurance premium increases >20% U.S. 2023
09
Regulatory compliance costs avg $25k/year U.S. restaurant 2023
10
29% U.S. independents at risk of closure due to debt 2023
11
Food allergen incidents up 12% U.S. restaurants 2023
12
67% struggled with delivery platform fees 15-30% commissions 2023 U.S.
13
Cyberattack recovery cost avg $250k U.S. hospitality 2023
14
38% reported vendor shortages key ingredients 2023 U.S.
15
Wage pressure: min wage hikes in 25 states 2023 U.S.
16
22% cut menu items due to costs 2023 U.S. restaurants
17
Sustainability mandates challenged 48% ops Europe 2023
18
U.S. restaurant bankruptcy filings up 18% in 2023
19
Health code violations avg 2.3/site U.S. inspections 2023
20
55% faced rising natural gas prices impacting cooking 2023 U.S.
21
Franchise compliance issues 14% higher 2023 U.S.
22
31% reported HVAC breakdowns costing $15k avg 2023 U.S.
23
POS system failures disrupted 28% sales days 2023 U.S.
24
46% challenged by multi-generational workforce training 2023
25
Waste management costs up 11% U.S. restaurants 2023
26
19% experienced major equipment failure 2023 U.S., avg repair $8k
27
ADA compliance upgrades needed by 37% U.S. venues 2023
Interpretation
Operations and Challenges Interpretation
It's a statistical marvel that a U.S. restaurant can still set a table when it's simultaneously being buffeted by a hurricane of closures, costs, and compliance, all while trying to teach five generations how to use the new AI scheduler that just crashed.
06 · Category
Revenue and Sales26 stats
01
Average U.S. restaurant sales reached $1.2 million per unit in 2023, up 6% from 2022
02
Food costs for U.S. restaurants averaged 30.5% of sales in 2023, highest in five years
03
U.S. bar alcohol sales per outlet averaged $450,000annually in 2023
04
Delivery sales accounted for 15% of total restaurant revenue in the U.S. in 2023, equating to $150 billion
05
Profit margins for full-service U.S. restaurants averaged 4.2% in 2023, down from 6% pre-pandemic
06
Off-premise sales (takeout/delivery) generated $280 billion for U.S. restaurants in 2023, 28% of total
07
Average check size in U.S. casual dining rose 7.5% to $22.50 in 2023
08
Beverage revenue contributed 25% to full-service restaurant sales in 2023, averaging $300,000 per unit
09
U.S. independent restaurants saw average revenue growth of 5.8% in 2023 to $950,000 per location
10
Labor costs consumed 32.4% of U.S. restaurant sales in 2023, up 2 points from 2021
11
Quick-service restaurants in U.S. had average annual sales of $2.8 million per unit in 2023
12
U.S. bar profit margins averaged 8.5% in 2023, driven by high-margin cocktails
13
Catering sales for U.S. restaurants reached $40 billion in 2023, 10% growth
14
U.S. restaurant same-store sales growth was 3.2% in 2023, per Black Box Intelligence
15
Food-away-from-home expenditures hit $1.1 trillion in U.S. 2023, 53% of food spending
16
Average U.S. fine dining check $85per person in 2023, up 9%
17
U.K. restaurants saw 6.1% sales growth in 2023, average £1.2 million per site
18
U.S. chain restaurants average sales $3.5 million per unit in 2023
19
Pour cost for U.S. bars averaged 20.1% of beverage sales in 2023
20
Online ordering direct from restaurants captured 12% of U.S. digital sales in 2023, $50 billion
21
U.S. sports bar average revenue $1.8 million in 2023, up 11%
22
Global restaurant average profit margin 5-7% in 2023, varying by region
23
U.S. pizzeria sales $46 billion in 2023, average $1.1 million per store
24
Banquet/event revenue for U.S. restaurants $25 billion in 2023
25
U.S. fast-casual average sales $2.2 million per unit in 2023
26
Loyalty program revenue boost averaged 15% for U.S. restaurants in 2023
Interpretation
Revenue and Sales Interpretation
The restaurant industry ran a precarious, high-volume sprint in 2023, where record sales were chased by soaring costs, leaving owners to find their slim profits somewhere between a stiff drink, a delivered pizza, and a carefully tracked loyalty point.
Reference
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APA
Emilia Santos. (2026, February 13). Bar And Restaurant Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/bar-and-restaurant-industry-statistics
MLA
Emilia Santos. "Bar And Restaurant Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/bar-and-restaurant-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Emilia Santos. 2026. "Bar And Restaurant Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/bar-and-restaurant-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
97 datasets cited across this report