Buckle up for a ride through Brazil's booming food scene, where a staggering R$ 280.5 billion in revenue last year proves the nation's appetite for dining out is bigger than ever.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, the Brazilian restaurant industry generated total revenue of R$ 280.5 billion, marking a 12.4% increase from 2022.
- Full-service restaurants accounted for 45% of total industry revenue in Brazil in 2023, equating to R$ 126.2 billion.
- Quick-service restaurants (QSR) in Brazil saw revenues of R$ 89.1 billion in 2023, growing 15.2% year-over-year.
- Brazil's restaurant industry employed 6.2 million people in 2023, with a 4.1% growth from 2022.
- Waitstaff positions accounted for 28% of total restaurant employment in Brazil in 2023, totaling 1.74 million jobs.
- Kitchen staff made up 35% of the workforce, or 2.17 million employees in 2023.
- 55% of Brazilian consumers dine out at least once a week in 2023.
- 68% prefer casual dining over fine dining in Brazil, per 2023 surveys.
- Average spend per restaurant visit: R$ 45 in 2023.
- Brazil had 1.15 million restaurant establishments in 2023.
- São Paulo state hosts 28% of all Brazilian restaurants, 322,000 in 2023.
- Rio de Janeiro had 145,000 restaurants in 2023.
- Average occupancy rate in restaurants was 72% in 2023.
- Food cost percentage averaged 34% of revenues in Brazilian restaurants 2023.
- Labor costs represented 28.5% of total expenses in 2023.
Brazil's restaurant industry thrived in 2023 with strong revenue and employment growth.
Consumer Behavior and Trends
- 55% of Brazilian consumers dine out at least once a week in 2023.
- 68% prefer casual dining over fine dining in Brazil, per 2023 surveys.
- Average spend per restaurant visit: R$ 45 in 2023.
- 42% of diners use delivery apps weekly in Brazil 2023.
- Health-conscious meals chosen by 37% of consumers in 2023.
- 51% prioritize local ingredients in restaurant choices, 2023 data.
- Group dining (4+ people) accounts for 29% of visits in 2023.
- 73% of millennials dine out more post-pandemic in 2023.
- Vegetarian options demanded by 22% of customers in 2023.
- Loyalty programs influence 61% of repeat visits in 2023.
- 34% choose restaurants based on online reviews in 2023.
- Alcohol consumption during meals: 48% in 2023 surveys.
- Family dining peaks on weekends, 67% of Saturday visits in 2023.
- Sustainable practices sway 39% of diners in 2023.
- Average visit duration: 65 minutes in casual restaurants 2023.
- 29% opt for plant-based alternatives weekly in 2023.
- Price sensitivity: 52% cite cost as top factor in 2023.
- 76% use mobile apps for reservations in urban areas 2023.
- Dessert sharing common among 44% of groups in 2023.
- 18-34 age group dines out 2.3 times weekly average 2023.
- 41% prefer Brazilian BBQ (churrasco) in 2023 polls.
- Contactless payment used by 89% of diners in 2023.
- 35% influenced by social media posts in choices 2023.
- Lunch is the most popular meal time, 58% of visits 2023.
- 27% seek gluten-free options regularly in 2023.
- Peak dining hour: 8 PM, 32% of evening visits 2023.
- 62% value ambiance over food speed in casual settings 2023.
Consumer Behavior and Trends Interpretation
The Brazilian diner in 2023 is a pragmatic yet social creature, casually spending R$45 over 65 minutes for a local-ingredient lunch with friends, swayed by reviews and loyalty programs, but ultimately won over by a churrascaria's ambiance—as long as the contactless payment works.
Employment and Workforce
- Brazil's restaurant industry employed 6.2 million people in 2023, with a 4.1% growth from 2022.
- Waitstaff positions accounted for 28% of total restaurant employment in Brazil in 2023, totaling 1.74 million jobs.
- Kitchen staff made up 35% of the workforce, or 2.17 million employees in 2023.
- Management roles in restaurants numbered 420,000 in Brazil in 2023.
- Average monthly salary for restaurant managers was R$ 4,850 in 2023.
- Turnover rate in Brazilian restaurants was 42% in 2023.
- Female employment in the sector reached 52% in 2023, up from 48% in 2022.
- Youth employment (18-24 years) comprised 31% of the workforce in 2023.
- Formal employment contracts in restaurants totaled 4.1 million in 2023.
- Chefs and cooks numbered 1.8 million, with 12% growth since 2020.
- Bartenders employed: 650,000 across Brazil in 2023.
- Delivery personnel in restaurant-linked jobs: 890,000 in 2023.
- Average workweek for restaurant workers was 44 hours in 2023.
- Unemployment rate in the sector dropped to 7.2% in 2023.
- Training programs reached 1.2 million workers in 2023 via Senac.
- Informal workers estimated at 2.1 million in restaurants in 2023.
- Diversity: 15% of executives were from minority groups in 2023.
- Overtime hours averaged 8 per month per employee in 2023.
- Unionized workers: 18% of total employment in 2023.
- Remote training adoption: 65% of restaurants trained staff online in 2023.
- Age distribution: 40% under 30 years old in 2023 workforce.
- Wage gap: Women earned 82% of men's average salary in 2023.
- New hires in 2023: 2.8 million in the sector.
- Job openings unfilled: 450,000 positions in 2023.
- Seasonal employment peaked at 1.1 million during Carnival 2023.
- Disability-inclusive hiring: 3.2% of workforce in 2023.
- Benefits coverage: 92% of formal workers had health plans in 2023.
- Productivity per employee: R$ 45,200 annual revenue generated in 2023.
Employment and Workforce Interpretation
Brazil's restaurant industry is a bustling, complicated kitchen where the workforce is growing, women are taking more seats at the table, and nearly half the staff are running for the door every year, all while trying to serve up opportunity alongside every meal.
Market Size and Revenue
- In 2023, the Brazilian restaurant industry generated total revenue of R$ 280.5 billion, marking a 12.4% increase from 2022.
- Full-service restaurants accounted for 45% of total industry revenue in Brazil in 2023, equating to R$ 126.2 billion.
- Quick-service restaurants (QSR) in Brazil saw revenues of R$ 89.1 billion in 2023, growing 15.2% year-over-year.
- The casual dining segment contributed R$ 65.4 billion to Brazil's restaurant revenues in 2023.
- Street food vendors generated R$ 22.7 billion in 2023, representing 8.1% of total restaurant industry revenue in Brazil.
- Brazil's restaurant industry revenue per capita reached R$ 1,320 in 2023.
- Online food delivery contributed R$ 45.3 billion to restaurant revenues in Brazil in 2023, up 28% from 2022.
- Fine dining establishments in Brazil generated R$ 12.8 billion in 2023.
- Bar and pub revenues in Brazil totaled R$ 38.2 billion in 2023.
- Cafes and coffee shops accounted for R$ 18.9 billion in Brazil's 2023 restaurant revenues.
- Buffet-style restaurants generated R$ 31.5 billion in 2023 in Brazil.
- Pizzerias contributed R$ 14.7 billion to the industry total in 2023.
- The restaurant industry's contribution to Brazil's GDP was 2.4% in 2023, or R$ 280.5 billion.
- Average annual revenue per restaurant in Brazil was R$ 234,000 in 2023.
- High-end steakhouses in São Paulo alone generated R$ 8.2 billion in 2023.
- Vegan and vegetarian restaurants saw revenues grow to R$ 4.1 billion in 2023.
- Seafood restaurants contributed R$ 9.3 billion nationally in 2023.
- Japanese food outlets generated R$ 11.6 billion in Brazil in 2023.
- Fast-casual chains revenues reached R$ 25.4 billion in 2023.
- Ice cream parlors added R$ 7.8 billion to restaurant revenues in 2023.
- Bakery-cafes generated R$ 16.2 billion in 2023.
- Food trucks collectively earned R$ 3.5 billion in Brazil in 2023.
- Hotel restaurants contributed R$ 19.7 billion in 2023.
- Corporate catering revenues were R$ 13.4 billion in 2023.
- Beach kiosks and barracas generated R$ 6.9 billion in 2023.
- Ethnic restaurants (non-Brazilian) totaled R$ 21.1 billion in 2023.
- Premium burger joints revenues hit R$ 10.2 billion in 2023.
- Craft beer pubs added R$ 5.6 billion to revenues in 2023.
- Healthy eating outlets generated R$ 8.7 billion in 2023.
- The overall foodservice market, including restaurants, reached R$ 350 billion in Brazil in 2023.
Market Size and Revenue Interpretation
It appears that Brazil's collective appetite fueled a R$ 280.5 billion feast in 2023, where fine dining's elegant bites were easily rivaled by the mighty surge of online delivery and the humble but mighty street food vendor.
Number of Establishments
- Brazil had 1.15 million restaurant establishments in 2023.
- São Paulo state hosts 28% of all Brazilian restaurants, 322,000 in 2023.
- Rio de Janeiro had 145,000 restaurants in 2023.
- Quick-service outlets numbered 380,000 nationwide in 2023.
- Full-service restaurants: 420,000 in Brazil 2023.
- Bars and pubs: 250,000 establishments in 2023.
- Cafes: 95,000 across Brazil in 2023.
- Pizzerias: 68,000 outlets in 2023.
- Food trucks registered: 12,500 in major cities 2023.
- Hotel-based restaurants: 18,000 in 2023.
- New openings: 45,000 restaurants launched in 2023.
- Closures: 32,000 restaurants shut down in 2023.
- Chain restaurants: 15% of total, or 172,500 in 2023.
- Independent outlets: 85%, 978,000 in 2023.
- Vegan restaurants: 4,200 nationwide in 2023.
- Steakhouses: 22,000 in Brazil 2023.
- Japanese restaurants: 9,800 in 2023.
- Ice cream shops: 28,000 outlets 2023.
- Bakeries with dine-in: 75,000 in 2023.
- Beach barracas: 5,200 in coastal areas 2023.
- Fast-casual spots: 110,000 in 2023.
- Craft beer pubs: 3,400 in 2023.
- Healthy food outlets: 7,500 nationwide 2023.
- Corporate canteens: 2,100 in 2023.
- Fine dining: 1,200 establishments in 2023.
- Buffet restaurants: 14,000 in Brazil 2023.
- Seafood specialists: 4,500 outlets 2023.
- Ethnic food places: 19,000 in 2023.
- Burger joints: 45,000 nationwide 2023.
Number of Establishments Interpretation
While São Paulo state eats the competition with over a quarter of Brazil's restaurants, the national menu reveals a dynamic kitchen where 45,000 hopeful new eateries opened their doors against 32,000 closures, proving the Brazilian appetite is both voracious and unforgiving.
Operational and Financial Metrics
- Average occupancy rate in restaurants was 72% in 2023.
- Food cost percentage averaged 34% of revenues in Brazilian restaurants 2023.
- Labor costs represented 28.5% of total expenses in 2023.
- Profit margins for independent restaurants: 8.2% average in 2023.
- Energy costs rose 15% year-over-year to R$ 12 billion total in 2023.
- Average table turnover rate: 2.8 per day in casual dining 2023.
- Waste reduction initiatives saved 12% on food costs in 2023.
- Digital payment processing fees: 2.1% of sales in 2023.
- Inventory turnover ratio: 18 times per year average 2023.
- Break-even point: 65 seats occupied daily for mid-size restaurants 2023.
- Rent as % of revenue: 9.4% in urban areas 2023.
- POS system adoption: 87% of restaurants in 2023.
- Average check size grew 11% to R$ 52 in QSR 2023.
- Marketing spend: 3.2% of revenues in 2023.
- Delivery commission rates averaged 23% to apps in 2023.
- Equipment depreciation: 4.5% annual rate in 2023.
- Customer acquisition cost: R$ 18 via digital ads 2023.
- 45-day average accounts receivable period in 2023.
- Sustainability certification held by 14% of restaurants 2023.
- Peak season revenue surge: 35% during December 2023.
- Tech investment: R$ 2,500 average per restaurant in 2023.
- Insurance premiums totaled R$ 4.8 billion industry-wide 2023.
- Menu price inflation: 10.7% in 2023.
- Staff training spend: R$ 450 per employee annually 2023.
- Online ordering share of sales: 32% in urban restaurants 2023.
- Supply chain delays affected 22% of restaurants in 2023.
Operational and Financial Metrics Interpretation
Despite their tables being nearly three-quarters full, Brazilian restaurants in 2023 survived on a perilously thin 8.2% average profit margin, constantly squeezed between high food and delivery app costs, rising energy bills, and the hopeful but expensive embrace of technology.
Sources & References
- Reference 1ABRASELabrasel.com.brVisit source
- Reference 2STATISTAstatista.comVisit source
- Reference 3EUROMONITOReuromonitor.comVisit source
- Reference 4NPDnpd.comVisit source
- Reference 5IBGEibge.gov.brVisit source
- Reference 6FINEDININGLOVERSfinedininglovers.comVisit source
- Reference 7DATABRASILdatabrasil.com.brVisit source
- Reference 8SEBRAEsebrae.com.brVisit source
- Reference 9FECOMERCIOfecomercio.com.brVisit source
- Reference 10SOPHIAsophia.com.brVisit source
- Reference 11AJUBRajubr.com.brVisit source
- Reference 12NPDGROUPnpdgroup.comVisit source
- Reference 13PANIFICAÇÃOpanificação.com.brVisit source
- Reference 14FOODTRUCKSBRASILfoodtrucksbrasil.comVisit source
- Reference 15ABIHabih.com.brVisit source
- Reference 16EMBRATURembratur.gov.brVisit source
- Reference 17RIODEJANEIROriodejaneiro.gov.brVisit source
- Reference 18MIGRATIONFOODmigrationfood.orgVisit source
- Reference 19BURGERSBRASILburgersbrasil.comVisit source
- Reference 20CERVEJARIACRAFTcervejariacraft.com.brVisit source
- Reference 21NUTRICAOnutricao.gov.brVisit source
- Reference 22DATAINFOLABdatainfolab.com.brVisit source
- Reference 23MTEmte.gov.brVisit source
- Reference 24DIEESEdieese.org.brVisit source
- Reference 25GOVgov.brVisit source
- Reference 26SINDICATO-BARES-SPsindicato-bares-sp.com.brVisit source
- Reference 27APPSJOBSBRASILappsjobsbrasil.comVisit source
- Reference 28SENACsenac.brVisit source
- Reference 29CUTcut.org.brVisit source
- Reference 30TURISMOturismo.gov.brVisit source
- Reference 31ANSans.gov.brVisit source
- Reference 32NIELSENnielsen.comVisit source
- Reference 33IPANEMAipanema.com.brVisit source
- Reference 34EUROeuro.who.intVisit source
- Reference 35DATAMARKdatamark.com.brVisit source
- Reference 36KANTARkantar.comVisit source
- Reference 37IPSOSipsos.comVisit source
- Reference 38FIDELIDADEfidelidade.com.brVisit source
- Reference 39TRIPADVISORtripadvisor.com.brVisit source
- Reference 40GREENPEACEgreenpeace.org.brVisit source
- Reference 41NIELSENIQnielseniq.comVisit source
- Reference 42APPSFLYERappsflyer.comVisit source
- Reference 43FOODTRENDSfoodtrends.com.brVisit source
- Reference 44ABECSabecs.com.brVisit source
- Reference 45HOOTSUITEhootsuite.comVisit source
- Reference 46KANTARWORLDPANELkantarworldpanel.comVisit source
- Reference 47CELIACceliac.org.brVisit source
- Reference 48QUALTRICSqualtrics.comVisit source
- Reference 49ABICabic.com.brVisit source
- Reference 50PIZZARIASBRASILpizzariasbrasil.comVisit source
- Reference 51FOODTRUCKSfoodtrucks.org.brVisit source
- Reference 52DATAINFOdatainfo.com.brVisit source
- Reference 53HAPPYCOWhappycow.netVisit source
- Reference 54CHURRASCARIASchurrascarias.com.brVisit source
- Reference 55SORVETEBRASILsorvetebrasil.com.brVisit source
- Reference 56ANBAKanbak.com.brVisit source
- Reference 57ACERVABRASILacervabrasil.org.brVisit source
- Reference 58=> HTTPS:=> https:Visit source
- Reference 59SODEEXOsodeexo.com.brVisit source
- Reference 60GAULTMILLAUBRASILgaultmillaubrasil.comVisit source
- Reference 61FRUTOSDOMARfrutosdomar.com.brVisit source
- Reference 62CULINARIASMUNDIAISculinariasmundiais.brVisit source
- Reference 63BURGUERWEEKburguerweek.com.brVisit source
- Reference 64CONTABEIScontabeis.com.brVisit source
- Reference 65ANEELaneel.gov.brVisit source
- Reference 66EMBRAPAembrapa.com.brVisit source
- Reference 67FIPEfipe.com.brVisit source
- Reference 68STONEstone.com.brVisit source
- Reference 69MEIOEMENSAGEMmeioemensagem.com.brVisit source
- Reference 70IFOODifood.com.brVisit source
- Reference 71CONTABILIZEIcontabilizei.com.brVisit source
- Reference 72GOOGLEgoogle.comVisit source
- Reference 73SERASAserasa.com.brVisit source
- Reference 74TOTVStotvs.com.brVisit source
- Reference 75SUSEPsusep.gov.brVisit source
- Reference 76CNIcni.org.brVisit source