GITNUXREPORT 2026

F&B Restaurant Industry Statistics

The global restaurant industry has returned to strong growth driven by consumer demand and technology.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

65% of U.S. consumers report dining out more frequently in 2024 compared to 2023.

Statistic 2

42% of millennials prefer quick-service restaurants over full-service for daily meals.

Statistic 3

Delivery orders represent 18% of total restaurant orders in urban areas globally in 2023.

Statistic 4

57% of Gen Z consumers prioritize plant-based options when dining out.

Statistic 5

Average check size at U.S. casual dining restaurants increased 8% to $25 in 2023.

Statistic 6

71% of consumers use mobile apps for restaurant reservations post-pandemic.

Statistic 7

Health-conscious diners grew to 48% of total U.S. restaurant patrons in 2024.

Statistic 8

33% of global consumers reduced dining frequency due to inflation in 2023.

Statistic 9

Boomers account for 28% of fine dining visits, spending 35% more per visit than average.

Statistic 10

62% of parents choose family-friendly restaurants with kids' menus weekly.

Statistic 11

Vegan menu items ordered 25% more in 2023 across U.S. chains.

Statistic 12

55% of urban consumers prefer experiential dining like themed restaurants.

Statistic 13

Average frequency of restaurant visits per U.S. consumer: 4.5 times per month in 2023.

Statistic 14

49% of consumers seek sustainable sourcing info on menus.

Statistic 15

Late-night dining (after 10 PM) surged 15% among young adults in 2023.

Statistic 16

67% of loyalty program members dine out 20% more frequently.

Statistic 17

Alcohol-free beverage orders up 30% in restaurants since 2022.

Statistic 18

52% of diners tip via digital payments, averaging 18% gratuity.

Statistic 19

Ethnic cuisine popularity rose 22%, with Asian fusion leading at 35% preference.

Statistic 20

44% of consumers avoid restaurants with poor online reviews.

Statistic 21

Weekend brunch visits increased 12% year-over-year in 2023.

Statistic 22

61% prioritize contactless payments for faster service.

Statistic 23

Comfort food orders spiked 28% during economic uncertainty in 2023.

Statistic 24

38% of diners share meals to sample more items.

Statistic 25

Pet-friendly patios influenced 25% of outdoor dining choices.

Statistic 26

70% of high-income consumers dine out weekly.

Statistic 27

Seafood consumption in restaurants down 5% due to price hikes.

Statistic 28

56% prefer restaurants with live music or entertainment.

Statistic 29

Solo dining up 40% among professionals aged 25-34.

Statistic 30

63% influenced by social media food photos for choices.

Statistic 31

U.S. restaurant industry employs 15.9 million people as of 2024.

Statistic 32

10.4 million restaurant jobs are in food preparation and serving roles.

Statistic 33

Turnover rate averages 73% annually for hourly restaurant staff.

Statistic 34

Average hourly wage for servers: $16.50 including tips in 2023.

Statistic 35

58% of restaurant workers are under 35 years old.

Statistic 36

Shortage of 1.2 million workers projected through 2025.

Statistic 37

Cooks median wage: $15.80/hour, up 5% YoY.

Statistic 38

40% of managers have 5+ years experience in industry.

Statistic 39

Female representation: 52% of workforce, 27% of owners.

Statistic 40

Immigrant workers comprise 22% of restaurant employees.

Statistic 41

Training costs per new hire: $2,000-$3,000.

Statistic 42

Part-time workers: 65% of total employment.

Statistic 43

Bartenders average $14.50/hour + tips.

Statistic 44

25% increase in job openings since 2021 recovery.

Statistic 45

Diversity: 40% Hispanic/Latino workforce.

Statistic 46

Overtime hours average 5% of total payroll hours.

Statistic 47

GM salary average: $65,000/year.

Statistic 48

Retention rate improves 15% with career paths offered.

Statistic 49

30% of staff seek flexible scheduling as top benefit.

Statistic 50

Veteran hiring: 8% of workforce.

Statistic 51

Benefits coverage: 45% offer health insurance.

Statistic 52

Dishwashers wage: $13.20/hour average.

Statistic 53

50% of hires come from referrals.

Statistic 54

Age 16-24: 35% of employees.

Statistic 55

Unionization rate: 1.5% in industry.

Statistic 56

Executive chef salary: $75,000 average.

Statistic 57

Absenteeism rate: 4-6% daily.

Statistic 58

20% growth in corporate training programs since 2022.

Statistic 59

Hosts/hostesses: $13.50/hour.

Statistic 60

62% of operators report hiring difficulties.

Statistic 61

Tips represent 60% of server income.

Statistic 62

In 2023, the global restaurant industry generated approximately $3.5 trillion in revenue, marking a 12% increase from 2022 driven by post-pandemic recovery.

Statistic 63

The U.S. restaurant industry is projected to achieve $1.1 trillion in sales for 2024, representing 4% growth over 2023.

Statistic 64

Fast food segment accounted for 42% of total U.S. restaurant sales in 2023, totaling $476 billion.

Statistic 65

Full-service restaurants in Europe saw a 7.5% revenue growth in 2023, reaching €1.2 trillion.

Statistic 66

Asia-Pacific restaurant market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2024 to 2029, hitting $1.8 trillion by 2029.

Statistic 67

U.S. limited-service eating places sales reached $512.3 billion in 2023, up 6.8% year-over-year.

Statistic 68

Global quick-service restaurant market size was valued at $928.3 billion in 2023.

Statistic 69

In 2024, independent restaurants in the U.S. are forecasted to contribute $300 billion to industry sales.

Statistic 70

China's restaurant industry revenue hit 4.5 trillion yuan ($630 billion) in 2023, up 20% from 2022.

Statistic 71

U.S. bar and tavern sales grew by 5.2% in 2023 to $42 billion.

Statistic 72

Latin America restaurant market expected to reach $450 billion by 2028, growing at 6.1% CAGR.

Statistic 73

UK restaurant sector turnover reached £100 billion in 2023, recovering 95% of pre-pandemic levels.

Statistic 74

Global fine dining market valued at $112 billion in 2023, projected to grow to $180 billion by 2030.

Statistic 75

U.S. foodservice sales per capita stood at $3,200 in 2023.

Statistic 76

Middle East & Africa restaurant market to expand from $150 billion in 2023 to $250 billion by 2030 at 7.5% CAGR.

Statistic 77

Canada restaurant industry sales hit CAD 120 billion in 2023, up 8%.

Statistic 78

Australia foodservice market revenue reached AUD 60 billion in 2023.

Statistic 79

India organized restaurant market grew 15% to INR 5.5 lakh crore ($66 billion) in FY2023.

Statistic 80

Global casual dining market size was $1.2 trillion in 2023.

Statistic 81

U.S. restaurant sales as percentage of GDP was 3.8% in 2023.

Statistic 82

Japan restaurant industry revenue approximated ¥25 trillion ($170 billion) in 2023.

Statistic 83

Brazil restaurant sector generated BRL 250 billion ($50 billion) in 2023.

Statistic 84

Southeast Asia restaurant market to reach $300 billion by 2027, CAGR 9%.

Statistic 85

U.S. off-premise sales (takeout/delivery) accounted for 25% of total restaurant sales in 2023.

Statistic 86

Europe full-service restaurant market valued at €800 billion in 2023.

Statistic 87

Global restaurant industry expected to grow 7% annually through 2028.

Statistic 88

U.S. chain restaurants sales totaled $650 billion in 2023.

Statistic 89

South Korea restaurant market size reached KRW 200 trillion ($150 billion) in 2023.

Statistic 90

Mexico foodservice industry revenue hit MXN 1.2 trillion ($60 billion) in 2023.

Statistic 91

Worldwide restaurant closures dropped to 2% in 2023 from 15% in 2020.

Statistic 92

Labor costs account for 30-35% of total restaurant operating expenses in the U.S.

Statistic 93

Food cost percentage averaged 28% for full-service restaurants in 2023.

Statistic 94

Average profit margin for U.S. restaurants is 3-5%, with independents at 4.2%.

Statistic 95

Prime cost (labor + food) should not exceed 60-65% of sales.

Statistic 96

Utilities represent 4-6% of restaurant expenses globally.

Statistic 97

Inventory turnover rate ideal at 4-6 times per month for F&B.

Statistic 98

Marketing budgets average 3-6% of revenue for chains.

Statistic 99

Table turnover rate averages 2.5-3 times per dinner service.

Statistic 100

Average rent as % of sales: 6-10% for urban locations.

Statistic 101

Break-even point for a 100-seat restaurant: $1.2 million annual sales.

Statistic 102

Credit card fees average 2.5-3.5% of transactions.

Statistic 103

Waste accounts for 4-10% of food purchases.

Statistic 104

POS system ROI achieved within 6-12 months, saving 5% on labor.

Statistic 105

Average ticket time from order to payment: 45 minutes in casual dining.

Statistic 106

Insurance costs rose 15% in 2023, averaging $25,000/year per location.

Statistic 107

Menu engineering shows high-profit items contribute 70% of profits.

Statistic 108

Energy costs per sq ft: $3.50 for efficient kitchens.

Statistic 109

Vendor rebates average 1-2% of purchases for independents.

Statistic 110

Bad debt from no-shows: 2-5% of reservations.

Statistic 111

Franchise fee ongoing: 4-8% of gross sales.

Statistic 112

Overtime labor costs up 20% since 2022, 10% of payroll.

Statistic 113

Average startup cost for fast-casual: $500,000-$1 million.

Statistic 114

Cash flow cycle: 30-45 days for most operations.

Statistic 115

Loyalty program costs: $0.50-$1 per member per visit.

Statistic 116

Maintenance/repairs: 2-4% of annual revenue.

Statistic 117

Average beverage cost: 20% for bars, 25% for restaurants.

Statistic 118

Theft/shrinkage losses: 1-2% of inventory value.

Statistic 119

Delivery commission fees: 15-30% per order.

Statistic 120

AI scheduling reduces labor costs by 5-10%.

Statistic 121

75% of restaurants adopted POS systems by 2023.

Statistic 122

Online ordering platforms boosted sales 20% for adopters.

Statistic 123

Contactless payments used in 85% of transactions in 2024.

Statistic 124

Kitchen display systems (KDS) reduce order errors by 80%.

Statistic 125

45% of chains use AI for inventory management.

Statistic 126

Virtual kitchens grew 300% since 2020, 15% of delivery sales.

Statistic 127

Customer feedback apps increase satisfaction scores 25%.

Statistic 128

Robotics in kitchens prep 1,000+ items/hour in pilots.

Statistic 129

Loyalty apps retention: 30% higher visit frequency.

Statistic 130

IoT sensors cut energy use 15-20%.

Statistic 131

Predictive analytics forecast demand accuracy 90%.

Statistic 132

AR menus enhance engagement 40%.

Statistic 133

Blockchain for supply chain traceability adopted by 12% of large chains.

Statistic 134

Voice AI ordering handles 70% of calls.

Statistic 135

Digital signage boosts upsells 18%.

Statistic 136

Cloud POS uptime 99.9%, vs 95% legacy.

Statistic 137

Guest WiFi analytics inform 60% marketing decisions.

Statistic 138

Autonomous delivery robots cut costs 50% per mile.

Statistic 139

Menu optimization software increases profits 11%.

Statistic 140

NFC tables enable seamless ordering, 25% faster service.

Statistic 141

Big data personalization lifts repeat visits 35%.

Statistic 142

UV disinfection robots sanitize 1,000 sqm/hour.

Statistic 143

CRM integration recovers 15% lost revenue from no-shows.

Statistic 144

Wearables track staff productivity, 10% efficiency gain.

Statistic 145

NFT loyalty programs engage 20% more millennials.

Statistic 146

5G enables real-time kitchen cams, reducing errors 30%.

Statistic 147

Generative AI menus test 50 variations weekly.

Statistic 148

Biometric payments in pilots speed checkout 40%.

Statistic 149

Metaverse pop-ups attract 50,000 virtual diners monthly.

1/149

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From billion-dollar growth to robotic kitchens, the F&B industry isn’t just bouncing back from the pandemic—it’s being fundamentally redefined.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, the global restaurant industry generated approximately $3.5 trillion in revenue, marking a 12% increase from 2022 driven by post-pandemic recovery.
The U.S. restaurant industry is projected to achieve $1.1 trillion in sales for 2024, representing 4% growth over 2023.
Fast food segment accounted for 42% of total U.S. restaurant sales in 2023, totaling $476 billion.
65% of U.S. consumers report dining out more frequently in 2024 compared to 2023.
42% of millennials prefer quick-service restaurants over full-service for daily meals.
Delivery orders represent 18% of total restaurant orders in urban areas globally in 2023.
Labor costs account for 30-35% of total restaurant operating expenses in the U.S.
Food cost percentage averaged 28% for full-service restaurants in 2023.
Average profit margin for U.S. restaurants is 3-5%, with independents at 4.2%.
U.S. restaurant industry employs 15.9 million people as of 2024.
10.4 million restaurant jobs are in food preparation and serving roles.
Turnover rate averages 73% annually for hourly restaurant staff.
AI scheduling reduces labor costs by 5-10%.
75% of restaurants adopted POS systems by 2023.
Online ordering platforms boosted sales 20% for adopters.

The global restaurant industry has returned to strong growth driven by consumer demand and technology.

Consumer Trends and Behavior

65% of U.S. consumers report dining out more frequently in 2024 compared to 2023.
42% of millennials prefer quick-service restaurants over full-service for daily meals.
Delivery orders represent 18% of total restaurant orders in urban areas globally in 2023.
57% of Gen Z consumers prioritize plant-based options when dining out.
Average check size at U.S. casual dining restaurants increased 8% to $25 in 2023.
71% of consumers use mobile apps for restaurant reservations post-pandemic.
Health-conscious diners grew to 48% of total U.S. restaurant patrons in 2024.
33% of global consumers reduced dining frequency due to inflation in 2023.
Boomers account for 28% of fine dining visits, spending 35% more per visit than average.
62% of parents choose family-friendly restaurants with kids' menus weekly.
Vegan menu items ordered 25% more in 2023 across U.S. chains.
55% of urban consumers prefer experiential dining like themed restaurants.
Average frequency of restaurant visits per U.S. consumer: 4.5 times per month in 2023.
49% of consumers seek sustainable sourcing info on menus.
Late-night dining (after 10 PM) surged 15% among young adults in 2023.
67% of loyalty program members dine out 20% more frequently.
Alcohol-free beverage orders up 30% in restaurants since 2022.
52% of diners tip via digital payments, averaging 18% gratuity.
Ethnic cuisine popularity rose 22%, with Asian fusion leading at 35% preference.
44% of consumers avoid restaurants with poor online reviews.
Weekend brunch visits increased 12% year-over-year in 2023.
61% prioritize contactless payments for faster service.
Comfort food orders spiked 28% during economic uncertainty in 2023.
38% of diners share meals to sample more items.
Pet-friendly patios influenced 25% of outdoor dining choices.
70% of high-income consumers dine out weekly.
Seafood consumption in restaurants down 5% due to price hikes.
56% prefer restaurants with live music or entertainment.
Solo dining up 40% among professionals aged 25-34.
63% influenced by social media food photos for choices.

Consumer Trends and Behavior Interpretation

Despite inflation and the occasional pricey check, the modern diner is voting with their wallet for convenience and experience, splurging on weekend brunch and vegan fusion while leaning on loyalty apps, digital tips, and scathing online reviews to navigate a landscape where everyone, from solo professionals to families with kids and dogs, is trying to eat out more without eating into their values.

Employment and Workforce

U.S. restaurant industry employs 15.9 million people as of 2024.
10.4 million restaurant jobs are in food preparation and serving roles.
Turnover rate averages 73% annually for hourly restaurant staff.
Average hourly wage for servers: $16.50 including tips in 2023.
58% of restaurant workers are under 35 years old.
Shortage of 1.2 million workers projected through 2025.
Cooks median wage: $15.80/hour, up 5% YoY.
40% of managers have 5+ years experience in industry.
Female representation: 52% of workforce, 27% of owners.
Immigrant workers comprise 22% of restaurant employees.
Training costs per new hire: $2,000-$3,000.
Part-time workers: 65% of total employment.
Bartenders average $14.50/hour + tips.
25% increase in job openings since 2021 recovery.
Diversity: 40% Hispanic/Latino workforce.
Overtime hours average 5% of total payroll hours.
GM salary average: $65,000/year.
Retention rate improves 15% with career paths offered.
30% of staff seek flexible scheduling as top benefit.
Veteran hiring: 8% of workforce.
Benefits coverage: 45% offer health insurance.
Dishwashers wage: $13.20/hour average.
50% of hires come from referrals.
Age 16-24: 35% of employees.
Unionization rate: 1.5% in industry.
Executive chef salary: $75,000 average.
Absenteeism rate: 4-6% daily.
20% growth in corporate training programs since 2022.
Hosts/hostesses: $13.50/hour.
62% of operators report hiring difficulties.
Tips represent 60% of server income.

Employment and Workforce Interpretation

The restaurant industry is a vibrant, chaotic engine of the American economy, powered by a young, diverse, and transient workforce who, while serving up our meals for modest wages and seeking flexible schedules, are in such high demand that operators are desperately trying to stem a 73% annual turnover tide with career paths and referrals, all while facing a crippling shortage of over a million workers.

Market Size and Growth

In 2023, the global restaurant industry generated approximately $3.5 trillion in revenue, marking a 12% increase from 2022 driven by post-pandemic recovery.
The U.S. restaurant industry is projected to achieve $1.1 trillion in sales for 2024, representing 4% growth over 2023.
Fast food segment accounted for 42% of total U.S. restaurant sales in 2023, totaling $476 billion.
Full-service restaurants in Europe saw a 7.5% revenue growth in 2023, reaching €1.2 trillion.
Asia-Pacific restaurant market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2024 to 2029, hitting $1.8 trillion by 2029.
U.S. limited-service eating places sales reached $512.3 billion in 2023, up 6.8% year-over-year.
Global quick-service restaurant market size was valued at $928.3 billion in 2023.
In 2024, independent restaurants in the U.S. are forecasted to contribute $300 billion to industry sales.
China's restaurant industry revenue hit 4.5 trillion yuan ($630 billion) in 2023, up 20% from 2022.
U.S. bar and tavern sales grew by 5.2% in 2023 to $42 billion.
Latin America restaurant market expected to reach $450 billion by 2028, growing at 6.1% CAGR.
UK restaurant sector turnover reached £100 billion in 2023, recovering 95% of pre-pandemic levels.
Global fine dining market valued at $112 billion in 2023, projected to grow to $180 billion by 2030.
U.S. foodservice sales per capita stood at $3,200 in 2023.
Middle East & Africa restaurant market to expand from $150 billion in 2023 to $250 billion by 2030 at 7.5% CAGR.
Canada restaurant industry sales hit CAD 120 billion in 2023, up 8%.
Australia foodservice market revenue reached AUD 60 billion in 2023.
India organized restaurant market grew 15% to INR 5.5 lakh crore ($66 billion) in FY2023.
Global casual dining market size was $1.2 trillion in 2023.
U.S. restaurant sales as percentage of GDP was 3.8% in 2023.
Japan restaurant industry revenue approximated ¥25 trillion ($170 billion) in 2023.
Brazil restaurant sector generated BRL 250 billion ($50 billion) in 2023.
Southeast Asia restaurant market to reach $300 billion by 2027, CAGR 9%.
U.S. off-premise sales (takeout/delivery) accounted for 25% of total restaurant sales in 2023.
Europe full-service restaurant market valued at €800 billion in 2023.
Global restaurant industry expected to grow 7% annually through 2028.
U.S. chain restaurants sales totaled $650 billion in 2023.
South Korea restaurant market size reached KRW 200 trillion ($150 billion) in 2023.
Mexico foodservice industry revenue hit MXN 1.2 trillion ($60 billion) in 2023.
Worldwide restaurant closures dropped to 2% in 2023 from 15% in 2020.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

The world is voraciously eating its way through a post-pandemic hangover, with the ubiquitous burger leading the charge as fine dining plots its quiet, elegant comeback, proving that whether we're grabbing, sipping, or savoring, the global appetite for a meal out is not just recovering but retooling for a remarkably hungry future.

Operational and Financial Metrics

Labor costs account for 30-35% of total restaurant operating expenses in the U.S.
Food cost percentage averaged 28% for full-service restaurants in 2023.
Average profit margin for U.S. restaurants is 3-5%, with independents at 4.2%.
Prime cost (labor + food) should not exceed 60-65% of sales.
Utilities represent 4-6% of restaurant expenses globally.
Inventory turnover rate ideal at 4-6 times per month for F&B.
Marketing budgets average 3-6% of revenue for chains.
Table turnover rate averages 2.5-3 times per dinner service.
Average rent as % of sales: 6-10% for urban locations.
Break-even point for a 100-seat restaurant: $1.2 million annual sales.
Credit card fees average 2.5-3.5% of transactions.
Waste accounts for 4-10% of food purchases.
POS system ROI achieved within 6-12 months, saving 5% on labor.
Average ticket time from order to payment: 45 minutes in casual dining.
Insurance costs rose 15% in 2023, averaging $25,000/year per location.
Menu engineering shows high-profit items contribute 70% of profits.
Energy costs per sq ft: $3.50 for efficient kitchens.
Vendor rebates average 1-2% of purchases for independents.
Bad debt from no-shows: 2-5% of reservations.
Franchise fee ongoing: 4-8% of gross sales.
Overtime labor costs up 20% since 2022, 10% of payroll.
Average startup cost for fast-casual: $500,000-$1 million.
Cash flow cycle: 30-45 days for most operations.
Loyalty program costs: $0.50-$1 per member per visit.
Maintenance/repairs: 2-4% of annual revenue.
Average beverage cost: 20% for bars, 25% for restaurants.
Theft/shrinkage losses: 1-2% of inventory value.
Delivery commission fees: 15-30% per order.

Operational and Financial Metrics Interpretation

The restaurant business is a high-stakes ballet where every crumb and second counts, and yet despite diners paying for both the art and the science on their plates, the house is often left with just a slim, hard-earned sliver of change after the relentless orchestra of labor, food, rent, and waste has played its demanding tune.

Technology and Innovation

AI scheduling reduces labor costs by 5-10%.
75% of restaurants adopted POS systems by 2023.
Online ordering platforms boosted sales 20% for adopters.
Contactless payments used in 85% of transactions in 2024.
Kitchen display systems (KDS) reduce order errors by 80%.
45% of chains use AI for inventory management.
Virtual kitchens grew 300% since 2020, 15% of delivery sales.
Customer feedback apps increase satisfaction scores 25%.
Robotics in kitchens prep 1,000+ items/hour in pilots.
Loyalty apps retention: 30% higher visit frequency.
IoT sensors cut energy use 15-20%.
Predictive analytics forecast demand accuracy 90%.
AR menus enhance engagement 40%.
Blockchain for supply chain traceability adopted by 12% of large chains.
Voice AI ordering handles 70% of calls.
Digital signage boosts upsells 18%.
Cloud POS uptime 99.9%, vs 95% legacy.
Guest WiFi analytics inform 60% marketing decisions.
Autonomous delivery robots cut costs 50% per mile.
Menu optimization software increases profits 11%.
NFC tables enable seamless ordering, 25% faster service.
Big data personalization lifts repeat visits 35%.
UV disinfection robots sanitize 1,000 sqm/hour.
CRM integration recovers 15% lost revenue from no-shows.
Wearables track staff productivity, 10% efficiency gain.
NFT loyalty programs engage 20% more millennials.
5G enables real-time kitchen cams, reducing errors 30%.
Generative AI menus test 50 variations weekly.
Biometric payments in pilots speed checkout 40%.
Metaverse pop-ups attract 50,000 virtual diners monthly.

Technology and Innovation Interpretation

Restaurants have become less a place of artisanal guesswork and more a finely tuned data factory, where AI schedules your staff, robots prep your fries, a blockchain tracks your lettuce, and your most loyal customer is essentially an app that remembers they like extra sauce.

Sources & References

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