GITNUXREPORT 2026

China Restaurant Industry Statistics

China's restaurant industry is rapidly growing, digitalizing, and adapting to modern consumer trends.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Haidilao International led with over 1,300 outlets in China by end-2023.

Statistic 2

Yum China operated 9,800 KFC and Pizza Hut stores generating 28.5 billion USD revenue in 2022.

Statistic 3

Xi'an Famous Foods expanded to 150 locations in China by 2023.

Statistic 4

Dicos chicken chain had 4,200 stores with 15% market share in QSR in 2023.

Statistic 5

Hot pot chain Haidilao's same-store sales grew 18% in 2023.

Statistic 6

Starbucks China reached 6,500 stores with 25% YoY growth in 2023.

Statistic 7

Local BBQ chain Yi Zhi Liao had 2,500 outlets averaging 2 million RMB sales each in 2022.

Statistic 8

McDonald's China surpassed 5,000 outlets with 1.2 billion USD sales in 2023.

Statistic 9

Nando's entered with 50 stores targeting premium peri-peri market in 2023.

Statistic 10

Haidilao 1,300+ outlets end-2023.

Statistic 11

Yum China 9,800 stores 28.5B USD 2022.

Statistic 12

Xi'an Famous 150 loc 2023.

Statistic 13

Dicos 4,200 stores 15% QSR 2023.

Statistic 14

Haidilao SSS +18% 2023.

Statistic 15

Starbucks 6,500 stores +25% 2023.

Statistic 16

Yi Zhi Liao 2,500 outlets 2M RMB ea 2022.

Statistic 17

McD 5,000+ 1.2B USD 2023.

Statistic 18

Nando's 50 stores premium 2023.

Statistic 19

62% of urban Chinese consumers dined out at least once a week in 2023, up from 45% in 2021.

Statistic 20

78% of Chinese millennials prefer casual dining restaurants over fine dining, according to a 2022 survey.

Statistic 21

Delivery orders accounted for 35% of total restaurant sales in China in 2023.

Statistic 22

55% of consumers in tier-1 cities choose restaurants based on online reviews in 2023.

Statistic 23

Health-conscious eating drove 42% of menu choices in Chinese restaurants in 2022.

Statistic 24

68% of Chinese consumers aged 18-35 order food via apps weekly in 2023.

Statistic 25

Vegetarian and plant-based options saw a 28% demand increase in urban restaurants in 2023.

Statistic 26

Family dining occasions represent 51% of restaurant visits in China post-2022.

Statistic 27

73% of consumers prefer restaurants with contactless payment options in 2023.

Statistic 28

Spicy cuisine popularity rose 19% among Gen Z diners in 2022-2023.

Statistic 29

62% urban consumers dine out weekly in 2023, up from 45% 2021.

Statistic 30

78% millennials prefer casual over fine dining 2022 survey.

Statistic 31

Delivery 35% of total sales 2023.

Statistic 32

55% tier-1 choose by reviews 2023.

Statistic 33

Health eating 42% menu choices 2022.

Statistic 34

68% 18-35 order apps weekly 2023.

Statistic 35

Plant-based demand +28% urban 2023.

Statistic 36

Family dining 51% visits post-2022.

Statistic 37

73% prefer contactless payments 2023.

Statistic 38

Spicy +19% Gen Z 2022-2023.

Statistic 39

In 2022, the total revenue of China's restaurant industry reached 4.43 trillion RMB, marking a 23.5% year-on-year increase after pandemic recovery.

Statistic 40

The catering industry in China contributed 11.9% to the national GDP in 2021, with a market size of over 4 trillion RMB.

Statistic 41

By 2023, China's full-service restaurant market was valued at approximately 2.1 trillion RMB, growing at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2018-2023.

Statistic 42

In 2022, quick-service restaurants in China generated 1.65 trillion RMB in revenue, up 15.4% from the previous year.

Statistic 43

The overall Chinese restaurant sector saw a 13.6% revenue growth in H1 2023 compared to H1 2022.

Statistic 44

China's restaurant industry market size expanded to 4.65 trillion RMB in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 10.1% through 2028.

Statistic 45

In 2021, the per capita restaurant spending in China averaged 2,800 RMB annually.

Statistic 46

The restaurant industry's total assets in China reached 5.2 trillion RMB by end of 2022.

Statistic 47

China's foodservice market revenue per outlet averaged 1.2 million RMB in 2022.

Statistic 48

In 2023, the hot pot segment alone contributed 600 billion RMB to China's restaurant revenue.

Statistic 49

In 2022, the total revenue of China's restaurant industry reached 4.43 trillion RMB, marking a 23.5% year-on-year increase.

Statistic 50

The catering industry contributed 11.9% to national GDP in 2021 with over 4 trillion RMB market size.

Statistic 51

Full-service restaurant market valued at 2.1 trillion RMB in 2023, CAGR 8.2% 2018-2023.

Statistic 52

Quick-service restaurants generated 1.65 trillion RMB in 2022, up 15.4% YoY.

Statistic 53

13.6% revenue growth in H1 2023 vs H1 2022 for the sector.

Statistic 54

Market size 4.65 trillion RMB in 2023, CAGR 10.1% to 2028.

Statistic 55

Per capita spending 2,800 RMB annually in 2021.

Statistic 56

Total assets 5.2 trillion RMB end-2022.

Statistic 57

Revenue per outlet 1.2 million RMB in 2022.

Statistic 58

Hot pot segment 600 billion RMB in 2023.

Statistic 59

Average table turnover rate in Chinese full-service restaurants was 2.8 times per day in 2022.

Statistic 60

Labor costs accounted for 32% of total operating expenses in Chinese restaurants in 2023.

Statistic 61

The average number of employees per restaurant outlet in China was 25 in 2022.

Statistic 62

Food waste in Chinese restaurants averaged 15% of prepared food in 2022 audits.

Statistic 63

Digital ordering systems were adopted by 82% of mid-sized restaurants by 2023.

Statistic 64

Profit margins for independent restaurants in China averaged 8.5% in 2023.

Statistic 65

Energy costs rose 12% year-on-year for restaurant operations in 2023.

Statistic 66

Average kitchen equipment investment per outlet was 500,000 RMB in 2022.

Statistic 67

Staff turnover rate in the industry hit 45% annually in tier-2 cities in 2023.

Statistic 68

Supply chain costs represented 28% of revenue for restaurants in 2022.

Statistic 69

Table turnover 2.8/day full-service 2022.

Statistic 70

Labor 32% op ex 2023.

Statistic 71

25 employees/outlet avg 2022.

Statistic 72

Food waste 15% prepared 2022.

Statistic 73

Digital ordering 82% mid-sized 2023.

Statistic 74

Indep profit margin 8.5% 2023.

Statistic 75

Energy costs +12% YoY 2023.

Statistic 76

Kitchen equip 500k RMB/outlet 2022.

Statistic 77

Turnover 45% tier-2 2023.

Statistic 78

Supply chain 28% revenue 2022.

Statistic 79

By 2025, China's restaurant industry is projected to reach 6.5 trillion RMB.

Statistic 80

Government subsidies for restaurant digitalization totaled 10 billion RMB in 2023.

Statistic 81

New food safety regulations reduced violations by 25% in inspections during 2023.

Statistic 82

EV charging mandates for new restaurants start 2025 in major cities.

Statistic 83

Projected CAGR for delivery segment is 12.5% to 2030.

Statistic 84

Sustainability reporting required for chains over 100 outlets from 2024.

Statistic 85

Labor law updates expect 15% wage hike for restaurant workers by 2025.

Statistic 86

AI integration projected in 60% of restaurants by 2028.

Statistic 87

Import tariffs on restaurant equipment to drop 5% in 2024 trade deals.

Statistic 88

Plant-based menu mandates in public canteens from 2025.

Statistic 89

Industry to 6.5T RMB by 2025.

Statistic 90

10B RMB subsidies digital 2023.

Statistic 91

Food safety violations -25% 2023.

Statistic 92

EV charging new restos 2025.

Statistic 93

Delivery CAGR 12.5% to 2030.

Statistic 94

Sustain report chains 100+ 2024.

Statistic 95

Wage +15% workers 2025.

Statistic 96

AI 60% restos 2028.

Statistic 97

Tariffs equip -5% 2024.

Statistic 98

Plant-based public 2025.

1/98

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Forget quiet kitchens and empty tables—China's restaurant industry is serving up a sizzling 4.43 trillion RMB plate of opportunity, fueled by a digital-savvy population, booming delivery, and a relentless appetite for everything from hot pot to plant-based feasts.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, the total revenue of China's restaurant industry reached 4.43 trillion RMB, marking a 23.5% year-on-year increase after pandemic recovery.
The catering industry in China contributed 11.9% to the national GDP in 2021, with a market size of over 4 trillion RMB.
By 2023, China's full-service restaurant market was valued at approximately 2.1 trillion RMB, growing at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2018-2023.
62% of urban Chinese consumers dined out at least once a week in 2023, up from 45% in 2021.
78% of Chinese millennials prefer casual dining restaurants over fine dining, according to a 2022 survey.
Delivery orders accounted for 35% of total restaurant sales in China in 2023.
Average table turnover rate in Chinese full-service restaurants was 2.8 times per day in 2022.
Labor costs accounted for 32% of total operating expenses in Chinese restaurants in 2023.
The average number of employees per restaurant outlet in China was 25 in 2022.
Haidilao International led with over 1,300 outlets in China by end-2023.
Yum China operated 9,800 KFC and Pizza Hut stores generating 28.5 billion USD revenue in 2022.
Xi'an Famous Foods expanded to 150 locations in China by 2023.
By 2025, China's restaurant industry is projected to reach 6.5 trillion RMB.
Government subsidies for restaurant digitalization totaled 10 billion RMB in 2023.
New food safety regulations reduced violations by 25% in inspections during 2023.

China's restaurant industry is rapidly growing, digitalizing, and adapting to modern consumer trends.

Chain and Brand Performance

Haidilao International led with over 1,300 outlets in China by end-2023.
Yum China operated 9,800 KFC and Pizza Hut stores generating 28.5 billion USD revenue in 2022.
Xi'an Famous Foods expanded to 150 locations in China by 2023.
Dicos chicken chain had 4,200 stores with 15% market share in QSR in 2023.
Hot pot chain Haidilao's same-store sales grew 18% in 2023.
Starbucks China reached 6,500 stores with 25% YoY growth in 2023.
Local BBQ chain Yi Zhi Liao had 2,500 outlets averaging 2 million RMB sales each in 2022.
McDonald's China surpassed 5,000 outlets with 1.2 billion USD sales in 2023.
Nando's entered with 50 stores targeting premium peri-peri market in 2023.
Haidilao 1,300+ outlets end-2023.
Yum China 9,800 stores 28.5B USD 2022.
Xi'an Famous 150 loc 2023.
Dicos 4,200 stores 15% QSR 2023.
Haidilao SSS +18% 2023.
Starbucks 6,500 stores +25% 2023.
Yi Zhi Liao 2,500 outlets 2M RMB ea 2022.
McD 5,000+ 1.2B USD 2023.
Nando's 50 stores premium 2023.

Chain and Brand Performance Interpretation

China's restaurant scene reads like an epic culinary battle royale, where Haidilao soothes the masses with hot pot, Yum China's KFC and Pizza Hut empire collects a GDP's worth in fried dough, and everyone else—from Starbucks fueling the caffeine nation to Nando's making a spicy, upstart entrance—is fiercely scrambling for a piece of the world's most competitive table.

Consumer Trends and Behavior

62% of urban Chinese consumers dined out at least once a week in 2023, up from 45% in 2021.
78% of Chinese millennials prefer casual dining restaurants over fine dining, according to a 2022 survey.
Delivery orders accounted for 35% of total restaurant sales in China in 2023.
55% of consumers in tier-1 cities choose restaurants based on online reviews in 2023.
Health-conscious eating drove 42% of menu choices in Chinese restaurants in 2022.
68% of Chinese consumers aged 18-35 order food via apps weekly in 2023.
Vegetarian and plant-based options saw a 28% demand increase in urban restaurants in 2023.
Family dining occasions represent 51% of restaurant visits in China post-2022.
73% of consumers prefer restaurants with contactless payment options in 2023.
Spicy cuisine popularity rose 19% among Gen Z diners in 2022-2023.
62% urban consumers dine out weekly in 2023, up from 45% 2021.
78% millennials prefer casual over fine dining 2022 survey.
Delivery 35% of total sales 2023.
55% tier-1 choose by reviews 2023.
Health eating 42% menu choices 2022.
68% 18-35 order apps weekly 2023.
Plant-based demand +28% urban 2023.
Family dining 51% visits post-2022.
73% prefer contactless payments 2023.
Spicy +19% Gen Z 2022-2023.

Consumer Trends and Behavior Interpretation

China's dining scene has become a masterclass in casual convenience, driven by digitally savvy, health-conscious urbanites ordering spicy deliveries for family nights out, all while obsessively checking reviews and tapping to pay.

Market Size and Revenue

In 2022, the total revenue of China's restaurant industry reached 4.43 trillion RMB, marking a 23.5% year-on-year increase after pandemic recovery.
The catering industry in China contributed 11.9% to the national GDP in 2021, with a market size of over 4 trillion RMB.
By 2023, China's full-service restaurant market was valued at approximately 2.1 trillion RMB, growing at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2018-2023.
In 2022, quick-service restaurants in China generated 1.65 trillion RMB in revenue, up 15.4% from the previous year.
The overall Chinese restaurant sector saw a 13.6% revenue growth in H1 2023 compared to H1 2022.
China's restaurant industry market size expanded to 4.65 trillion RMB in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 10.1% through 2028.
In 2021, the per capita restaurant spending in China averaged 2,800 RMB annually.
The restaurant industry's total assets in China reached 5.2 trillion RMB by end of 2022.
China's foodservice market revenue per outlet averaged 1.2 million RMB in 2022.
In 2023, the hot pot segment alone contributed 600 billion RMB to China's restaurant revenue.
In 2022, the total revenue of China's restaurant industry reached 4.43 trillion RMB, marking a 23.5% year-on-year increase.
The catering industry contributed 11.9% to national GDP in 2021 with over 4 trillion RMB market size.
Full-service restaurant market valued at 2.1 trillion RMB in 2023, CAGR 8.2% 2018-2023.
Quick-service restaurants generated 1.65 trillion RMB in 2022, up 15.4% YoY.
13.6% revenue growth in H1 2023 vs H1 2022 for the sector.
Market size 4.65 trillion RMB in 2023, CAGR 10.1% to 2028.
Per capita spending 2,800 RMB annually in 2021.
Total assets 5.2 trillion RMB end-2022.
Revenue per outlet 1.2 million RMB in 2022.
Hot pot segment 600 billion RMB in 2023.

Market Size and Revenue Interpretation

China's restaurant industry is a steaming hot pot of economic activity, serving up trillions in revenue with a side of double-digit growth, proving that while fortunes may change, the nation's appetite for a good meal remains a remarkably solid investment.

Operational Statistics

Average table turnover rate in Chinese full-service restaurants was 2.8 times per day in 2022.
Labor costs accounted for 32% of total operating expenses in Chinese restaurants in 2023.
The average number of employees per restaurant outlet in China was 25 in 2022.
Food waste in Chinese restaurants averaged 15% of prepared food in 2022 audits.
Digital ordering systems were adopted by 82% of mid-sized restaurants by 2023.
Profit margins for independent restaurants in China averaged 8.5% in 2023.
Energy costs rose 12% year-on-year for restaurant operations in 2023.
Average kitchen equipment investment per outlet was 500,000 RMB in 2022.
Staff turnover rate in the industry hit 45% annually in tier-2 cities in 2023.
Supply chain costs represented 28% of revenue for restaurants in 2022.
Table turnover 2.8/day full-service 2022.
Labor 32% op ex 2023.
25 employees/outlet avg 2022.
Food waste 15% prepared 2022.
Digital ordering 82% mid-sized 2023.
Indep profit margin 8.5% 2023.
Energy costs +12% YoY 2023.
Kitchen equip 500k RMB/outlet 2022.
Turnover 45% tier-2 2023.
Supply chain 28% revenue 2022.

Operational Statistics Interpretation

Despite a digital surge and intense cost pressures, China's full-service restaurants survive on wafer-thin margins, where every un-bussed table, wasted morsel, and departing server directly chips away at the bottom line.

Regulatory and Projections

By 2025, China's restaurant industry is projected to reach 6.5 trillion RMB.
Government subsidies for restaurant digitalization totaled 10 billion RMB in 2023.
New food safety regulations reduced violations by 25% in inspections during 2023.
EV charging mandates for new restaurants start 2025 in major cities.
Projected CAGR for delivery segment is 12.5% to 2030.
Sustainability reporting required for chains over 100 outlets from 2024.
Labor law updates expect 15% wage hike for restaurant workers by 2025.
AI integration projected in 60% of restaurants by 2028.
Import tariffs on restaurant equipment to drop 5% in 2024 trade deals.
Plant-based menu mandates in public canteens from 2025.
Industry to 6.5T RMB by 2025.
10B RMB subsidies digital 2023.
Food safety violations -25% 2023.
EV charging new restos 2025.
Delivery CAGR 12.5% to 2030.
Sustain report chains 100+ 2024.
Wage +15% workers 2025.
AI 60% restos 2028.
Tariffs equip -5% 2024.
Plant-based public 2025.

Regulatory and Projections Interpretation

China’s dining scene is orchestrating a high-stakes waltz, gracefully spinning from a 6.5 trillion RMB feast toward a future where subsidized robots might deliver your eco-friendly bao while charging their electric carts, all under the watchful eye of safer, better-paid, and sustainably-reporting kitchens.

Sources & References

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